Are You Emotionally Well Hydrated?

You may be constantly reminded to stay hydrated and drink plenty of water daily.  Pop and alcohol do not count.  This will help maintain a healthy body and keep you from passing out and becoming dehydrated.  It is good to listen to your body and keep it well hydrated.  Water helps to purify your system and cleanse your body.  Water washes the outward part of your body and also cleanses the organs and hydrates your system. 

You can become emotionally depleted, too.  You try to carry the weight of the world on your shoulders and feel it is your responsibility to fix and make everyone happy within your circle.  You stuff down your feelings and never share what is going on with anyone else because you think nobody will listen to you.  You accept the negativity around you as normal and live in a constant state of chaos and turmoil.  You are exhausted.  You feel that nobody cares.  You believe nobody knows you exist until you forget to do something they expected you to do.  You are drained, anxious, and feel unfulfilled in your life.

It is time to emotionally hydrate.  It is not as simple as drinking a glass or two of water, but it is as intentional.  It is recognizing what you need, what will fill you up and help you maintain a healthy emotional system.

Everyone needs words of affirmation.  Words that build up and validate you as a person.  The words need to be authentic and genuine.  It is surrounding yourself with people who are affirming and not tearing your down with a negative attitude.  To be validated means you have a sense of worth and purpose.  It is being listened to and accepted for your opinion, beliefs and values.

To listen is one of the highest forms of intimacy and respect.  When someone listens to you, they want to know you and have chosen you in that moment.  You become the most important person in the moment and all their attention is on you.  Listening is more than hearing words.  It is listening to body language, paying attention to movement, listening to the emotion of the words and truly seeing you. 

Real listening is choosing the other person and drawing them closer into your thoughts and reflections.  It is feeling heard and feeling loved.  When you feel loved, heard, and accepted you are being emotionally hydrated and then can share your emotions and feelings without judgment. 

To be emotionally hydrated involves self-care.  It is being proactive in replenishing your emotional energy.  It is taking time for yourself and giving yourself permission to rest and engaging in activities that restore and revive your soul.  It is finding balance in your life.  Remember, it is not selfish to take care of yourself.  You are the only one who makes yourself a priority.  You cannot care for others if you do not first take care of yourself.  Put good things into your mind and spirit.  Fill your thoughts with positive words.

Emotionally hydrating yourself includes rest.  Yes, physical rest is where you begin, but it is resting your thoughts.  Give yourself a break from reminding yourself all that you need to do and complete the day.  Be grateful for what you did but do not put guilt on yourself for not finishing every task on your list.  It was not meant to be completed today.  Give yourself grace.  Acknowledge your feelings, but do not absorb everyone else’s feelings and emotions.  Let go of assumptions.  Release the anxiety, and breathe in peace and rest. 

Elaine J. Sturtz

Living In the Different

Elaine will be leading a seminar – “Living Life Forward” on Saturday, March 21st from 9 AM to 12 pm at Trinity Evangelical Church on Malabar Drive in Upper Sandusky.  Everyone is welcome.