Anger and frustration to appreciation and gratitude

How many times do you feel frustrated or even angry with your teen or adult child who has mental illness and/or addiction? 

Of course you love him or her dearly, but you are human, and sometimes they may lash out at you or make decisions you don’t agree with or do things you don’t like or want them to do, so you get upset or frustrated.

What is important to know is you do not have to stay in those feelings.

Yes, you have them and that is perfectly okay and human. 

Give yourself love and compassion. Remind yourself you are human. Remind yourself you do not need to stay in these feelings.

When you stay in them long, they are harmful to you emotionally, and also to your relationship because they hinder your ability to have compassion for your child. 

Compassion is so important for your child to feel that you understand them. It allows them to really feel your love. It allows you to approach conversations and interactions differently than you would if you stayed in anger or frustration.

So how can you move away from your feelings of frustration or anger? 

You can replace these feelings with some positive emotions. I like appreciation and gratitude. If you can think of the things you can appreciate and feel grateful for and connect to those things and moments, you may feel your frustration and anger slipping away. In fact, it is difficult to feel your anger and frustration if you are actively feeling appreciation and gratitude.

I would love to hear how you handle these emotions and how it is impacting you.

Sending love and light,

Debbie