What do you do when you have a tight muscle? You stretch it. Funny thing is, stretching hurts–at least at first. But you stretch the muscle to teach it to lengthen, to reverse its tendency to protect itself from injury by pulling into a tight knot.
Where are you emotionally tight lately? Are you feeling you could use more support and encouragement? More love and understanding? More money, respect or recognition? This is where you stretch. Whatever you’re not getting enough of, try extending yourself further in that direction. Need more encouragement? Try being more encouraging. Need more money? Give more money away.
It’s supposed to hurt–at first. That’s how you know you’re truly stretching. But remember: Stretching may be uncomfortable in the short-term, but it prevents you from further injury in the long-run.
About the Author: James Robbins is a licensed professional counselor, published author and co-owner of Dallas Whole Life Counseling. He has over 15 years of experience helping people in various life stages that come from a wide variety of cultural, economic and family backgrounds. Learn more about his background by clicking here.