Balancing Emotion with Discernment
Challenges Black Women Executives Face
Embracing every emotion, whether joy or pain, is a journey into understanding oneself. Yet, it's essential not to be wholly governed by them. In the whirlwind of life, where "staying positive" often becomes an unwritten rule, I've realized that understanding and honoring every emotion is as vital as not letting them entirely dictate our actions. This understanding becomes even more profound when I think about the distinct challenges faced by black women in executive roles, challenges colored by societal expectations and intricate pressures.
Through countless conversations and personal introspections, I've come to recognize the delicate tightrope black women in leadership often walk. While society sometimes demands an eternal glow of 'positivity', it also subtly discourages the display of vulnerability.
Daily experiences like biases, discrimination, and frequent oversights can push many towards retreating behind an optimism mask, potentially sidelining mental well-being. But here's the caveat - while acknowledging emotions is crucial, being entirely led by them can cloud judgment and lead us astray.
Gleaning Wisdom from Scripture
Scripture has always been a reservoir of wisdom for me. Proverbs 3:5-6 says, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." This verse underscores the essence of balancing our emotional insights with divine guidance. It reminds us that while emotions are an intrinsic part of our human experience, they shouldn't be the sole drivers of our decisions.
When diving deep into the scriptures, one soon realizes that they aren't just tales or directives but reflections of human experiences and emotions. Characters from biblical stories, be it Moses, David, Esther, or Ruth, have displayed a range of emotions from deep despair, anger, and fear to immense joy, love, and hope. Their stories provide comfort in the fact that feeling deeply is an integral part of the human experience. Yet, what truly stands out is how they navigated these emotions. One of the most poignant lessons from scripture regarding emotions is the emphasis on principles over impulses.
Emotions: The Guide, Not The Driver
I've learned to see emotions as guiding lights, not the driver of my life's vehicle. They provide invaluable insights, shape relationships, and enhance self-awareness. However, like any guidance system, they function best when paired with wisdom, discernment, and a grounded perspective.
By creating spaces where emotions are recognized, validated, and balanced with wisdom, we're not only fostering emotional well-being but also ensuring decisions and actions that are well-rounded and informed.
In conclusion, understanding mental well-being for me has been a lesson in balance. It's about honoring the breadth of our human experience without being consumed by it. Emotions are windows into our souls, but it's our discernment, often guided by scripture, that helps us navigate the path ahead with clarity and purpose.
