I was in a Subway last week and noticed that the guy serving me was projecting with his voice an abrupt tone of impatience with me. I finally asked him if he was having a bad day. He settled down a little and then when I was checked out, he mentioned he was working single-handedly and was feeling stressed. I said I could understand, but I took it personally. After walking out, the guy right before me in line was walking out with his order, and with huge smile on his face said to me “have a wonderful lunch!” What a contrast between the two emotionally charged people! It made me wonder what am I projecting emotionally? It also showed me what happens when we feel stressed and can’t control things. We may not project our best attitude due to the unmanageable emotions that are bubbling up inside.

Learning how to manage our emotions is key in this world today. Do we bottle them up or can we find more positive ways to manage them so that they work for us? Several things can help us in creating more positive ones:

• First look at the questions we ask ourselves. Do we start our self-talk with “What if… or How can I … or “Why can’t I” The latter usually leads us down a dead-end street, and the brain can’t help you come up with anything that will lead to good possibilities.
• Examine what is really bothering us. Usually it’s not about being short handed such as in the case of this guy. He may be feeling inadequate in his abilities to handle his work or maybe he was having some relationship challenges.
• Refocus your attention on something outside of yourself that brings more positive feelings such as, the guy that sent me the message to have a wonderful lunch.

Practicing these tips may help you create much more capacity for joy and positive energy coming to you!