Take Control of Your Feelings: How a 10-Year Old Changed My Monday

Big Picture: Why Emotional Management Matters

We all want to feel happy, peaceful, and maybe even a little in love with life. But honestly—the world isn’t designed to hand us those positive feelings. Instead, we need to grasp from the world what we want by figuring out how to control our emotions. I learned this lesson just last week, when I applied a new lesson and "wisdom" from my ten-year-old niece.?

Why It Matters

Your emotions are the engine of your life. They’re behind every decision, your focus, and even the vibes you send out to others. If you’re always complaining about that unreasonable boss or unappreciative client, does it really make your day better? Does anyone else leave the room feeling inspired? I’m still trying to figure out how to complain in a way that energises people and gets them ready for the day! Maybe I’m doing it wrong. Have you mastered it on your side??

A Rainy Day Revelation

Last Monday was one of those gloomy, cold and rainy days. On top of that, the traffic was dreadful, I had a touch of stomach cramps and the podcast I was trying to listen to was just… meh. By the time I got to my desk, I felt utterly miserable.?

But then I remembered something Dr. Marc Brackett said on the Huberman Lab podcast: we often mislabel our emotions. This makes it tough to find the right strategy to manage them. So, I tried a little experiment. Was I really miserable, or was I just cold, wet, and in mild pain? Once I clarified things like that, even my 10-year-old niece would have suggested a simple solution.?

Since she wasn’t around, I made myself a half-glass of milk and a big cup of rooibos. And just like that, the world seemed a bit brighter. Sure, the rain didn’t stop, but my mood lifted. How many times had I stayed ‘miserable’ just because I hadn’t bothered to get specific about what I was feeling??

Taxi Drivers Know Best

Here’s a strange thought. Maybe taxi drivers know what we don’t. They start their day with the right vibes—blasting Amapiano while you start with news and social media. World War 3 is coming! Someone was stabbed in the Cape Flats! Corruption and Racism!? The Asteroid will hit the earth in 2133! Instead of letting the war and asteroid dictate the tone for your day, maybe all you need is your favourite upbeat music, a cup of Rooibos tea to shift your perspective.?

The Bottom Line

Your emotions shape your reality, and they’re contagious. What will you do today to manage yours better??

Quote:

“It’s not the load that breaks you down, it’s the way you carry it.” Lou Holtz