Everyone needs to develop and exercise their physical muscles for health and well-being through their lives; without exercise, physical muscles will weaken, causing ailments and discomfort, and leaving you tired at the end of your busy day. Similarly, emotional muscles make the ordinary interactions of daily life smoother. Emotional muscles promote happiness and sturdiness in the face of all life’s challenges.
What if everything we do could include this extra strength? What if we could build something within ourselves that nurtures character, increases our happiness, promotes learning, and fosters friendships? We call this “emotional muscle.”
IT’S NEVER TOO LATE TO START.
It takes work to develop and maintain emotional muscle. But you can build up your strength and enjoyment by seeking help and support. Psychoanalytically-trained professionals know about developing the whole self, and can be of great help.
Being able to ask for what you need is a strength that benefits you, your child and your family.
Kerry Kelly Novick, author with Jack Novick of ‘Emotional Muscle: Strong Parents, Strong Chiidren.’
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