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I was stealing from my kids and myself, and it needed to stop. After three years of divorce, I still wasted emotional energy being triggered by my Ex, which gypped the kids out of my full potential as a Dad.
First, I’d get mad at their mom’s actions (or inactions) that are predictable. I should expect it and let it roll. Instead, I’d get mad, then be angry that I allowed myself to get mad. I’m better than that.
I’ve attended therapy sessions, exercised regularly, attended Yoga classes, and traveled to stunning places to surf and fly fish, and I’ve allowed myself to be with all my feelings, crying buckets of tears over thousands of miles.
I’ve identified scenarios that trigger me and used the practice of CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) to help prepare myself to work through them. We’ve all heard the saying, “I can’t control how others act. I can only control how I react.” CBT is based on this. It works by identifying a trigger and then breaking down the thoughts, emotions, and actions associated with the trigger or scenario. It’s used to cure addictions and is worth a look if you find yourself screaming into…
