Learning How To VENT!

If I said, or wrote, the word VENT, what comes to mind?? Depending on your filters or what you have been exposed to in your past, (or what kind of day you are having) you may have a couple of answers to the question.? A VENT can be a noun or a verb. As a noun, it is a passage or opening that allows passage through out of or into a space.? It can also be the actual expression or release of emotion.? As a verb, it can be the physical expression (similar to the noun) of a release of emotion or feelings, or the action of allowing passage out of or into a space.? Although similar, they are different.? Although you may have thought of both, or believed they are all one in the same, they are different. Another question to show insight is when you read, or thought of the action of releasing emotion, did you think of yourself releasing or listening to someone else VENT?? Maybe there is something there for you. Let’s take a look:

Voice?????????????????

Voice an opinion!? What does that mean to you?? Is it a positive or a negative thought?? We all have a voice (some more than others, and some have more platforms to increase the audience that hears their voice) however we often are fearful of vocalizing our voice and it becomes stagnant.? What is wrong with using your voice?? It can be how you use it?? Does it free flow when you need to open thoughts and challenge minds around you, or are you hesitant to share or use your voice based on how it may be perceived by others?? Only you know how you feel, until you release your thoughts and opinions to be heard.? If you don’t voice your thoughts and opinions, you allow your voice to be stifled.? If you do that, it may create undue pressure and you may need to find a way to VENT or release it.? Don’t’ hold it in, however learn to voice it when it is appropriate.? You must also understand how you release your voice.? Both can be positive or negative. What are you holding your voice about?? What is keeping you from voicing your thoughts or opinions?? Why??

Express????????????

Express yourself! Or, allow others to express themselves to you.? You don’t have to raise your voice to express yourself, and even if you are holding your tongue, your body language may be communicating what you want to say anyway.? Unsure?? Ask someone you trust.? Remember that how you express yourself has just as much opportunity to influence others as much as what you say.? Maybe you struggle to express yourself verbally, so take some time to write out a letter.? Be mindful of generational disparities on how to communicate.? Verbal is less likely to be misconstrued versus a text or an email.? Have you ever sent a message and it was not received well?? What did you learn about yourself, and what did you learn about who you sent the message to?? Expressing yourself is best done when you release your feelings and don’t hold them in or bottle them up.? Sure, if you need to allow yourself to process your thoughts and feelings (emotion) make sure you do so before you respond and regret how and what you say.? Do you have anything you need to voice your thoughts or concerns about?? Who can you talk to?? What is stopping you?

Need?????????????????

We all need to release our thoughts or frustrations.? Have you ever thought that? We all have.? No need to feel like releasing your thoughts or frustrations is a bad thing.? Unfortunately, how we release impacts more than we think. It has the opportunity to impact those around us.? Has anyone ever VENTed on you?? Bottling up frustrations or concerns can create undue issues in our minds and in our body.? Do you have someone you trust that you can VENT to?? Do you?? If not, you may seek benefits or resources through your employer or insurance provider.? Don’t bottle it up, VENT and let it go.? You will feel better.? Just make sure you release in a way that doesn’t impact those around you in a negative way.

Through????????????

Through you!? ?We are referencing the ability for us to VENT our thoughts or frustrations, however don’t forget that a VENT has to come through something to release.? Are you that “through” option?? Are you approachable by those around you to be an outlet for them to VENT?? Think for a second.? If a water heater doesn’t VENT properly, it causes concerns.? If an attic doesn’t have roof VENTs, it does not allow the heat to escape and can lead to other concerns.? A VENT is not working to it’s best ability if it does not have something to VENT through (or to??).? If you are the resource for someone to VENT their thoughts through, remember that although there will probably be some emotion, frustration, or anger, the best thing you can do is listen through it.? Don’t take it personally and if the timing is right, provide some feedback based on what you heard.? IF the timing is not right, you might ask if you can be a resource to help in any way, or ask if you can think on what was said and follow back up with them when the timing is right.? We can all help someone get through the point on their journey they are on.?

Regardless of if you thought of yourself releasing emotion (you may need to find an outlet) or listening to someone else, the release is the key.? More than likely, we have all VENTed our thoughts and also been the “through” to allow others to VENT.? Being able to release helps reestablish and refresh our minds to regroup and refocus.? Allow others to voice their opinion and express themselves.? We all need to avoid bottling up our emotions and release our thoughts or they may result in unintended consequences.? VENT your thoughts and feelings through someone who will listen and provide feedback or perspective.? Don’t bottle it up. VENT your thoughts and feelings and you may be surprised how quickly you feel better.? Remember VENT and release, don’t rant.

Stay safe and stay well!