There's a lot written about "superfoods" that contribute to the function of our bodies, let's consider 10 "power emotions" that combat the negative emotions and enable us to enjoy more enjoyment and abundance. To learn more about this topic, and about mastering your emotions, check out my Inner Healing Ebook. As we do so, please remember that spirituality and emotional health are two sides of the same coin. That is to say, that engaging in spiritual practices like prayer and meditation will multiply your efforts to grow emotionally. Likewise, intentional effort in growing emotionally will supercharge your spiritual life and practice. They grow together.

Individuals who have good emotional health are in control of their behaviors, thoughts, and feelings. They can tackle life’s challenges, bounce back from any roadblocks or setbacks, and can keep problems in perspective. They do not allow themselves to be consumed by the negative and do not wallow in self-pity. Those with good emotional health can cultivate and keep strong relationships with others while keeping a sense of positive self-worth. 

This is the faith that Paul describes. Human development experts tell us we are usually in our thirties before we have access to this level of faith development. Our twenties are characterized by outgrowing the faith of our childhood and running away from God and chasing our own demons. Ultimately, the troubles and suffering that took us away brings us back. And we know and trust that at our very core, God dwells. Cutting through the many layers of ourselves to access that Presence gets easier as we go.

Have you ever felt grumpy? Or angry? Or worried? It's impossible to feel happy when you feel negative emotions. The fastest way to shake a bad mood is to count your blessings. Gratitude refocuses us on what we have. Anger, worry, grumpiness, and other negative emotions usually center around what we don't have or what might come in the future. Gratitude brings us into the present moment and returns our focus to what we have, what is good, and what is well. If you want one thing that can dramatically change your life, practice gratitude. Gratitude effects extend far beyond our mood. Gratitude empowers health mentally, emotionally, physically, and especially spiritually. Read on for the amazing ways gratitude brings about positive health in your life.

I hear phrases like this all the time. Especially on social media. Everybody advises getting rid of toxic people. Cut off those relationships. I will concede, that at times, this is necessary - but not often. If you are being abused - GET OUT. Immediately. Most of the time, discussions about toxic people don't include abuse, just difficult human behaviors. Perhaps a better course of action, before cutting off a relationship, might be to ask yourself, "Why do I attract toxic people?" A person who has a pattern of cutting off relationships, or attracting toxic people, might have some unresolved emotional pain that is driving this behavior. If you struggle to maintain relationships when there is conflict, or when difficult issues and situations crop up, it may be worth looking within yourself at what is lying dormant that can be addressed and resolved. 

I like to plan new routines with one goal at a time in three different areas: physical health, spiritual practice, and time management. If you are new to creating routines or looking to create a more meaningful one, this is a good place to begin. For example, a physical routine might include drinking more water or taking a walk. A spiritual practice might include meditation, writing in a journal, or practicing gratitude. A time management goal might include planning out your day, using your calendar more effectively, or using timers. Start with ONE goal in each area to begin. Read on about how routines are beneficial.

When the sun shines and the wind is at your back and love is in the air, faith comes naturally. When life is great, it's easy to believe in a God/Higher Power/Spirit that is love. Faith gets difficult when life gets dicey and things don't go our way - or even implode on us completely! Have you had your heart broken? Have you experienced trauma? Have you received violence? All of these events can profoundly affect and even disrupt one's faith. But that doesn't have to be the end of the story. You can heal yourself and grow your faith.

Emotional intelligence and spiritual practices build upon the other. Growing spiritually, empowers emotional growth, as growing emotionally, fuels spiritual growth. If we look to Christ as the epitome of self-actualization, he is both emotionally and spiritually intelligent. As you continue to grow your faith and spiritual practices, you can also take the following steps to grow your emotional intelligence.

Anger, while unhealthy, is familiar. We know what anger is and how to bear it. Though it isn't good for us to hang onto, it is a familiar burden. Sometimes, what we name as anger or choose to feel as anger may be something else that we are afraid of. Anger can be an imposter, hiding more intense emotions like fear, shame, grief, or guilt. These other emotions are big and can be frightening to sit with. However, once we name them for what they are, we can rid ourselves of them. 

Many of us spare little time or thought for our spiritual and emotional health. This pertains to the ability to recognize and manage your emotions, both negative and positive. People with good emotional health have developed strategies to deal with their daily emotions or even larger emotions for traumatic events, such as losing a job or the death of a loved one.