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True emotion has a purpose
Every true, basic emotion—sadness, anger, fear, joy—has a worthwhile purpose. All these emotions tell us something important about our experience. Sadness tells us that we have lost something we love. Anger informs us that we are obligated to put a halt to an injustice. Fear is a message that we face danger.
These basic emotions are not our enemy despite being unpleasant. In addition to their informative value, they are catalysts for action. Emotions can urge us forward (or backward in the case of fear). The way we respond is a choice we make. Emotions are good teachers but poor masters.
The goal of helping, therefore, is not less sadness, anger, fear when there are good reasons for those emotions. Instead, effective help encourages Friends to listen to what their emotions tell them. Then put them to work effectively to face their loss. As helpers, we should respect the value of what Friends feel.
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Emotional Memories |
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