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hi all i used "news:" in the subject header above instead of "NEWS:" since this isn't strictly unbiased journalism-type coverage, but my ISP included it in their latest newsletter, (which relationship may or may not constitute my sole financial interest in the eyes of some) and i wanted to share it with you. what i found particularly interesting was the idea of 'writing it all out', described here as an alternative to professional guidance from a qualified therapist. i now relate that to reams of personal correspondence that i had with cyber-friends in 1996 and 1997. at times, those epics felt like do-it-yourself-therapy, and according to this article, that may indeed have been the case. during that process, i dragged all sorts of old emotional clutter out into the daylight; and i also questioned virtually every value and pre- conceived notion i had. it was difficult but oh so rewarding. i would not now change a thing even if i could. this article also relates to the concepts in cognitive therapy: viz: the way we think determines the way we feel (and not the other way around). janet Emotions 'R' Us ---------------------------------------------------------- Update Your Emotions September 12, 2000 - Are your emotions younger than you are? Perhaps it's time to send them back to school for some adult education. Don't be embarrassed if your sentiments require a little refresher course. Gaining control of your emotions and making them work for you -- or creating a balanced union between your heart and head -- takes a lifetime of learning. How can you tell if you've got some brushing up to do? Give yourself a test. Next time you face a difficult situation, audit the emotions it evokes. Are they useful and appropriate to the situation and your goals? Or are they just distracting you from rational solutions? Are they relevant and current, or is this situation dredging up old, unhealed wounds? Sometimes old emotions are so powerful that they discolor our present reality. If your parents argued violently when you were a child, perhaps you now argue with your spouse the same way. Or conversely, you might avoid conflict with your spouse to the detriment of asserting yourself and fulfilling your needs. Either way, old emotions may be influencing or getting in the way of your current reality. Your goal is to update your emotional file so that it serves you in the present instead of cluttering and clouding your judgment. You can do this on your own by writing about old issues and questioning your current responses and values and beliefs. Or you can seek a professional guide for your emotional journey in the form of a qualified therapist. Taking that trip down emotional memory lane might seem daunting. But if you do it honestly, you'll unearth unimagined buried treasures and insights. Not the least of which could be a newfound ability to make your emotions work for you rather than against you in your adult life. For more tips and advice visit http://www.Dreamlife.com, your expert network for personal and professional growth. Prepared by Eden Fairchild for Dreamlife Copyright 2000, Dreamlife,Inc. All Rights Reserved. Copyright 2000, Look Communications Inc. All rights reserved. ---------------------------------------------------------- janet paterson 53 now / 44 dx cd / 43 onset cd / 41 dx pd / 37 onset pd tel: 613 256 8340 url: "http://www.geocities.com/janet313/" email: [log in to unmask] smail: POBox 171 Almonte Ontario K0A 1A0 Canada