These emotions take a little more unearthing. It may be a reasonably simple task to figure out that you are feeling misunderstood because a kind gesture you tried to make yesterday was rebuffed. It will probably be far more difficult, and often more painful, to discover that the root of your mistrust of men is the neglect you felt from your father as a child. At that time you were unable to understand your feelings, so they went unrecognized and unacknowledged.

Unacknowledged emotions have a nasty way of festering, and can poison our thinking. Add to that the layers of self-protective scar tissue that your mind has created to protect itself, and what you have is not just emotional baggage, but an emotional boil that needs lancing.

Dealing with these kinds of deep-seated emotions may well require some help and support. Especially if you are inexperienced in exploring the depths of your mind and emotions, consider asking for some back-up from a trusted friend or therapist.

Self-help books have been of amazing benefit to me over the years, and there is also a wealth of information available on the Internet. Whatever it is that you need to deal with, please know that you are not alone.

Recognizing and understanding the emotions that are causing you difficulties is the first step in freeing yourself from them. The process of dealing with any long-held negative emotion is basically the same as the process I describe in my book ‘Freedom from Shame.’

This book is based on my journey of self-discovery and breaking free from the stigma of depression. The method of breaking free though, can be applied to any emotional issue.

I have included a link here to an extract from my book. If you are struggling with negative emotions, read Healing Shame, A Six-Step Self-Help Process .

Freedom from negative emotions can be achieved through a process of soul-searching. Daring to take a deep look at what your emotional issues really are, and where they started is the first step.

Take courage from these words of August Wilson, American writer; “Confront the dark parts of yourself, and work to banish them with illumination and forgiveness. Your willingness to wrestle with your demons will cause your angels to sing. Use the pain as fuel, as a reminder of your strength.”

You have the strength to begin the liberating task of dumping that heavy emotional baggage for good, and remember you don't have to do it alone.

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