Harmonising your thoughts and emotions

In a moment, someone behaves so maturely and accommodating. The next moment, the same person behaves so rudely and unpleasing. There are two parts of the brain we need to pay attention to and do everything we can to access them whenever required.

This post is suitable for anyone interested in improving their emotional intelligence, making good decisions, excellent work performance and avoiding mental stress.

To give a context on what would be shared, I would give you a real-world scenario of how our emotions and rationality failed us. Secondly, we would look at the part of the brain responsible for these activities. Finally, We will look at measures we need to put in place to ensure we harmonise our thoughts and emotions.

1. Story of a young man.

There is a story about a young man named Kofi, living in Accra, Ghana. He had a pretty good family and a fantastic relationship with his parent. But unfortunately, the loving relationship did not last long. Kofi lost his parent in an auto crash on their way back to Accra from Cape Coast (an official trip).

As of then, Kofi was four years old. However, it didn't take long before things started turning around for Kofi, who now lives with one of the family members. He started experiencing all sorts of abuse.

Growing up, Kofi got angry quickly; he became addicted to alcohol and drugs. It didn't take time; he started participating in crimes. In 2020, he was apprehended by the law enforcement crew, charged with armed robbery, and later convicted in 2021. Kofi is now serving a jail term.

Sad story, yeah! One question, though, who is at fault, Kofi or his upbringing? You should be able to answer this correctly at the end of this excerpt.

2. The human thoughts and emotions.

In order to actively make rational decisions, the brain needs to use the neocortex and limbic brain. The neocortex helps us make sensible decisions (thinking), and the limbic brain is the sensor (getting signals). The combination of these two gives the power to disruptive emotional thinking.

Neuroscientists often referrer the ability to complete a given task as the "working memory". Whatever problem you try to solve, the working memory uses the same process.

The prefrontal cortex is the brain area accountable for the "working memory". The communication between the limbic brain and the prefrontal lobes means that there is a strong signal. This could lead to anxiety and anger - sabotaging the ability of the frontal lobe to manage the "working memory effectively".

We often say when we are upset, "I cannot think straight now." The intensity of this feeling can affect memory lane, especially in children. Continual emotional pain can create deficiencies in a child's intellectual abilities, reducing their capacity to absorb new things.

That you are intelligent does not mean that you are emotionally balanced. On the contrary, appropriately interacting intelligence and emotions, emotional intelligence rises.

3. Balancing thoughts and emotions.

Sincerely, there is no prescription for this process. However, the fact that you are aware of the part of the brain responsible for human emotion and thoughts is a good start.

As much as you would like to act speedily, try to make sure you think and weigh options first. Do not expect to be perfect on the first try; just like you would be patient while learning a new skill, you need to be patient with yourself.

Wrapping up with Kofi's story, he becomes emotionally impaired because of the abuses he faced while growing up.

Your case might not be as bad as that of Kofi; it might be that you've amounted to nothing because people around you made you believe so.

Think positive!

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