We all carry emotional baggage with us from past experiences and relationships, which can hold us back from reaching our full potential. When giant timber bamboo grows, it sheds its outer layer to reach its full potential.
We need to do the same.
We must ask ourselves these questions to begin the process of shedding our outer layer, just like giant timber bamboo:
What am I holding onto that might be holding me back?
What stories am I telling myself about my past that are limiting my growth?
“Clear your mind, follow your heart, and take care of your body.”
I always laugh when I go to the airport, and they ask me if I have any baggage. Well, yeah, I have plenty of baggage! And it gets even funnier when they ask the follow-up question about whether I had any help with that baggage.
Of course, the flight clerk is talking about physical baggage, and it’s my emotional baggage that’s holding me back from reaching my destination.
If you’re struggling to shed your emotional baggage as I have, here are seven tips for you:
Acknowledge your emotional baggage. Many of us have limiting stories and negative emotions from our past that we need to let go of. By acknowledging them, we can start to understand how they make us feel and begin to work through them.
Identify the root cause of your emotional baggage. This could be an old story, an old relationship, or any other past experience that is still holding you back. Once you've identified the root cause, ask yourself if it's still true for you. Sometimes, we hold onto things that are no longer relevant in our lives.
Seek support. You can talk to a trusted friend or family member, or even consider talking to a mental health counselor if you need help processing your emotions.
Practice self-care. Taking care of yourself is crucial to reducing emotional strain. Make sure to eat well, get enough sleep, and exercise regularly.
Use healthy coping mechanisms, such as meditation or journaling, to help you work through your emotions. It's also important to collect notes or compliments from others that can help you boost your emotions and remind you of your strengths.
Practice forgiveness, both for yourself and for others. Instant forgiveness, as I like to call it, can liberate you and help you move forward.
Let go of the past. The past is exactly where it should be - in the past. Being present in the moment is key to moving forward and watering your bamboo dreams.
Shedding emotional baggage is a process that takes time, so be patient with yourself. By working through your emotions and letting go of what's holding you back, you can reach your full potential and live the life you've always wanted. So, what are you waiting for? Start shedding your emotional baggage today!
This post is based on a podcast episode by Greg Bell.
Listen below for the full episode: