One of my favorite concepts to share is “The 50/50.” When it comes to emotions, there are “good” ones (that feel positive) and “bad” ones (that feel negative). We tend to think that if we are feeling negative emotions, that must mean there’s something wrong with us or with our life. But in reality, life IS 50/50. As humans living on planet Earth, we get to experience the range of emotions — and truly, we cannot feel and understand the good ones without the bad — the juxtaposition is what gives each its meaning to us. And if we take the 50/50 concept a step further, we realize that it’s not always so cut and dry — the positive and negative emotions tend to be more intertwined with each other than separated in two distinct categories.
For example, when someone brings a puppy home, they are signing up for a whole lot of joy and happiness and sweet cuddles, as well as a whole lot of frustration, annoyance, and eventual heartbreak. Sometimes those emotions swirl around at the same time. It’s all a part of the package — and it’s all worth it (unless you’re not a dog person, haha).
So as we’re navigating grief or loss, or sadness or disappointment, it’s helpful to remember that the reason those emotions are existing in us is because they are in relation to the love and relationship, the joy and excitement that came prior or will come again — they are intertwined and a part of each other.
And they are ALL ok — all part of this human experience and nothing is wrong with you if you’re feeling all of them.
Sending you all the love and support as you experience the 50/50,
Bethany Lewis
The Concussion Coach