Owning My Intensity: Embracing the Gift of Deep Emotions
While learning about anger, I recently read about different personality types and identified mine. A highly respected professional in the mental health and personal growth communities described a type of person with an intense nature—someone who experiences emotions on a deep, powerful level. When this person feels joy, they feel it intensely. The same holds true for sadness, frustration, and especially anger—it can be fiery and fierce.
What stood out to me was that the author didn’t present this as a problem to fix. He stated it as a norm, something that simply is, rather than something to suppress, hide from, or change.
I was ecstatic after reading that! (Yes, hello, intense emotion!) My whole life, people have tried to shut me down for being happy, insisting I had no reason to feel so much joy. Ironically, those same people were the ones who criticized me when I was upset, telling me I should be more grateful. This realization hit me hard—this is just the way God made me, and I am normal.
For years, I wondered if something was wrong with me. I experience my emotions so profoundly, but I rarely meet others who express their feelings in the same way. Maybe it’s just not something people commonly talk about.
The Power of Self-Awareness
In recent years, I’ve paid closer attention to personality types, particularly my own. I’ve also reflected on the meaning of my name, which means life. I noticed that when things are going well, I feel truly alive—like a burst of fresh air and sunshine! I feel capable of anything. I recognize this as a blessing, and I am deeply grateful to God for it.
At the same time, I understand that not everyone’s "normal" is filled with joy—many people struggle with chronic sadness or depression. I realized that if I neglect my own needs for too long (physically, emotionally, or spiritually), I too can enter a dark space. But because of my intense nature, I don’t just feel mild sadness—I feel deep, consuming pain, often mixed with frustration or anger.
But here’s the key: I also know I am capable of intense joy. So when I find myself in a painful emotional state, I work to bring myself out of it.
Choosing My Reality
Through years of personal growth, I’ve come to a powerful truth: I create my life experience through the thoughts I choose. Every moment, I am shaping my reality by what I focus on. This awareness helps me stay grounded in gratitude and allows me to recognize the blessings that God is constantly giving me. And I truly believe that this mindset opens the door for even more of God’s gifts.
Of course, balance is still essential. I must take care of myself—exhaustion and hunger can fuel irritation quickly! But thankfully, with this perspective, maintaining emotional balance has become much easier.
I encourage you to shift your attention throughout the day. Look for the gifts God is giving you right now. And always remember: your thoughts create your reality—so choose thoughts that bring joy, peace, and motivation to take action toward the life you desire.
Action Steps:
🛑 STOP – Once an hour, close your eyes (or simply focus inward) and think of something you are deeply grateful for. Express sincere, heartfelt gratitude to your Creator.
⏸ PAUSE – Take a moment to notice your thoughts. If you would love for those thoughts to become reality, keep them going—you’re on the right track! If not, immediately shift them. Begin thinking about the things you do want to happen.
Comment Below:
💬 Did you notice any surprising or negative thoughts during your hourly pause? How did you shift them?
💬 Have you ever experienced a moment where changing your thoughts led to a real transformation in your life? Share your story!
