emotional discipline

I took an L with grace today. When I say, “took an L,” I mean I made a mistake. The type of mistake that could’ve been easily prevented. Because of this, I felt years of work collapse within in my chest, crushing my ability to speak in an instant. My heart burdened to beat faster. My lungs malfunctioned. Though my bodily functions perceived to work against my intentions, a great thing happened in that moment I’m proud of. I took a breath inhaling through my nose and exhaling through my mouth. What seemed like a five minute supernatural meltdown, only lasted a second before I reclaimed my barring. I could’ve sulked in my demise, but instead started looking for avenues to bring me closer to my desired location. I gathered my thoughts and proceeded.

I’m not sure what you would refer to this as. For me, this type of reformed behavior is because of discipline; specifically emotional discipline. Over my years of being in critical situations where odds stood against me, I haven’t always been the best in confrontations. For so long I’ve misunderstood a confrontation to be a bad thing. Recently, I have discovered a confrontation to be a natural part life. It is something we should all become skilled at because it is an important part of communication. Confrontation is the first step for opposing parties in meeting each other halfway. Confrontation is what it takes for people to get to laws made. Confrontation is what it takes for love.

- raphael