There is something we all have, something that we all share, something that makes us human and enables us to feel what others are feeling. It is also what makes us understand other species. We all have emotions.
Like many things in life, emotions are susceptible to being manipulated and, in many cases, they are. We see it done in movies, music, books and in all our favourite advertisements. I am sure we are okay with those, and in many circumstances, we probably welcome them.
The ones we are not very warm to are the ones that hurt us; the ones we didn’t expect to get from other people, especially people we love and trust. Manipulations like heartbreaks or being deserted, even being scammed, all hurt and are not welcomed.
It is, however, worth noting that in many cases, we bring such unfortunate events upon ourselves. We trust too easily and expect more from people, while giving less of ourselves, or vice versa. There are always two sides to a story, and sometimes we only tell or hear our stories, and skip everything that happened in-between.
Most times, we let our emotions run wild. We play out scenarios that are a little far from reality. We should learn to control our emotions. As a matter of fact, we should learn to control what we can - we should control ourselves - because that is what we own, the most valuable asset we own. Worry more about the state you are in before indulging in other matters.
There is a thumb rule one of my friends told me, ‘You shouldn’t engage with everyone, and you shouldn’t pursue everything’. Even though in the context it seemed selfish and counterintuitive, it has bought great peace and happiness. It has helped keep all emotions in check and balance.
But because we are who we are, we are sure to fall short and lose it a little. That doesn’t make us any less good - it just makes us human and alive. When we do fall, we should always remember to forgive ourselves first before anyone will.
Self-acceptance
Just as important - we should forgive those that rub us up - not forget, but forgive - as we can move forward with no grudges. Why waste your time and energy on people who hurt you? Just be selfish with your emotions.
•Olavi Popyeinawa
Twitter: @olavipopyeinawa
Email: olavi@euonymuspost.com