Letting emotions drive...

We don't, for the most part, create our emotions with intent. They happen to us as a consequence of our actions and our interactions with the world around us.

If we let our emotions drive our actions, it becomes a feedback loop that can take our agency away. With each iteration, we become more and more at the mercy of our feelings.

Instead, we can learn to choose to be strategic (or non-emotional) about our actions.

Of course, it doesn't help to ignore or bottle up emotions. That would only make things worse. What we can do, however, is to create spaces where we can process our emotions, spaces like therapy, journaling, writing, art or other means. This can allow us to take action or make decisions despite how we are feeling.

Our thoughts, feelings and actions do not need to be aligned. Strategic actions and decisions can help us change all three for the better.