Do you Need a Timeout?

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Summer is typically considered the season to take time to play, rest and renew. The change in routine and slower pace has a way of refreshing us and giving us strength to carry on.

When we were children, we were given a ‘timeout” as a means of discipline; maybe this is why we sometimes feel badly about taking one now.

When a child acts up, it is usually because they have a physical or emotional need.  This is why timeouts can be so effective. When our children are grouchy and miserable, it is a good idea to HALT and  question the root of the behavior. Are they:

  • HUNGRY
  • ANGRY
  • LONELY
  • TIRED

It is a good rule of thumb to HALT and ask ourselves this question as well. We may be big girls now, but we still have basic needs. No matter how mature we are, when we are hurting physically, we may get emotional. If we are hurting emotionally, we may ache physically. Our spirituality effects us physically and emotional, as well. Whenever there’s a strong need, in any area of our lives, we may need to take a timeout to take care of the problem–otherwise, the problem may easily get out of hand.

When hurt, HALT

There’s been a lot of injury in my family this week. If you could see me with my sister and mom right now, you would crack up. We are each hurt in different ways and we are trying to help each other take a “timeout” but our physical restrictions are making it rather humorous.

One thing I have noticed, is that with each injury, the problem was first hard to define. Isn’t this how it is when we are hurt emotionally as well? With initial impact, pain causes us to stop everything. We may feel intense emotion with the intense pain. It may cause us to be afraid to move or act again. After a timeout, as the swelling subsides and the pain eases up, the root problem is revealed. The bone may be broken; the ligament torn; the joint damaged, but at least we know what to do and what not to do.

Timeout help define the needs and restrictions.

If you have been hurt emotionally, physically or even spiritually, I encourage you to HALT and assess the root problem. Do you really need to quit? Healing may take some time, ice and rest, but it doesn’t always mean you can never do “that” again. It may be a broken heart that you are suffering from, but how long do you need to remain on the defense? One unfaithful relationship does not mean that every friend will hurt you. Learn from your injuries, but don’t allow the fear of getting hurt again to restrain you from ever risking vulnerability again.

The way you handle hurt is a big indicator of your Img.ID:

C: Isolate

N: Carry on

D: Demand change

I: Receive the problem

R: Shut down

G: Defend herself 

Click the letter to learn more about that Image Identity, including What2Wear

*****

As an author and speaker, Catrina’s passion is in helping women and girls overcome confidence conflicts, especially those involving rejection, betrayal and loss. After 30 years in the beauty industry as both a cosmetologist and an image consultant, Catrina now uses her profession, her own powerful stories and her training as a Biblical life-coach to reach the heart in a way that is relatable, encouraging and inspiring. Her message is balanced with both fashion and faith and is making a difference  in the lives of women and girls all over!  To be part of this movement, connect with her on FacebookTwitter PinterestLinked In, Goodreads  and consider having her speak at your next event. Visit https://catrinawelch.com for more information.


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