Subtract the Emotion

I've been talking with a friend about making some life changes and I keep repeating myself, "Take out the emotions.  Don't decide based on your emotions.  Subtract the emotion.".  It's what I hear when I talk with her but, I often wonder what I mean by that.

When I don't understand something, the first place I go is to the dictionary (or Google).

Check out the definition and see for yourself.  

Emotion

And just in case you wonder, I have also included quite a list of emotions; 

Emotions and be sure to read the definition at the top!  I love this " Emotion not to be confused with a bodily appetite, as hunger or thirst."

Back to what I was saying about making decisions based on emotion, don't do it.  You'll never make the right choice.  Fear, desperation, angst, all of those things cloud our judgement.  They don't allow us peace. They attract worry and more fear.  They allow us to let in outside influences and block us from hearing our true inner voice.

When faced with a tough decision, I try to take a few minutes and just ignore (I said I try) all of the feelings.  I try to find a little quiet, close my eyes and I say to myself - "well, what are we going to do here?"  And I wait.  I wait until I hear a clear "Yes" or a clear "No".  There is no reasoning, no convincing, no "well, if I".  Just plain old, boring yes or no.

I believe in God (you can call Him Spirit if you want).  I believe in faith.  I don't believe in coincidence.  I believe that God leads us to everything that we need.  At times, it's easy.  More often, it's really hard.  That said,  I believe there are roadblocks or detours put in our paths to test us, to see if we're really listening and I believe that emotions are those roadblocks.  If we follow, say fear for instance, if we hold on to something based on our fear, are we truly following our path, are we trusting in God to take us where we need to be?  If it's God's destiny for you, should you be afraid to do it?  Or should you be trusting in God to take the lead?

When it's God.  I know. When I hear my clear "yes" or "no".  It is with absolute certainty.  There is no question in it.  I am so sure and I want to say "feel" but, it's something that I know deep down to my bones, to my core.  There is no mistake. There is no doubt. 

I don't rule by my emotions any more.  I still hurt, I'm still afraid but, I trust that God is leading me where I need to be.  Plans come together, plans fall apart, at times it makes sense, at times it seems totally random.  You have to remember that the test or the lesson isn't always yours.  It could be for someone else and you're just along for the ride.

That's it!  (I had to come back to add this!)  Don't base your decisions or make your decisions based on how you "feel", make them on what you KNOW!

I'd like to kick whoever it was that said, "Follow your heart", it should truly be "Follow your gut" or in my case "Follow that little voice that says "yes or no".

Take each day, take each step you're given.  Love, be loved but, trust in God, trust in the Spirit to lead you.  Trust your inner self.  Don't succumb to the emotions.  Don't let them rule you.  Don't let them be your guide.  Listen for your "yes" or "no".  You'll always be right.