How are you doing?

Do you feel obligated to answer simply and politely when someone asks, "How are you doing?"

Oftentimes, we sense a social responsibility not to discuss life issues or stressors with casual acquaintances or strangers. 

However, acknowledging and communicating about all aspects of your holistic self, especially emotional, is actually healthy.

Though you may not want to discuss personal experiences with co-workers or neighbors, it's important to invite someone into your life who can openly allow you to vent.

The person listening should be compassionately detached so as not to feel drained. In addition, he or she should be able to offer non-judgmental advice if solicited. Sometimes you may just want to "let it out" without hearing suggestions.

Consider the people close to you in life. Do you have a friend, romantic partner, sibling, or other family member that could lend an emotional ear? Perhaps you can enlist the service of a holistic practitioner, counselor, or life coach depending on what's bothering you.

Honoring your authentic feelings in a healthy way facilitates bonding, coping, conflict resolution, insight and self-awareness, and personal progression.

Communicating with someone about unmet emotional or other self-care needs can prove to be therapeutic, but you must also be cognizant of unhealthy co-dependent attachments to those who offer solace or advice.

Energetically, you should sever negative, subtle cord attachments between you and your listener after the interaction.

You also need to be aware that in order to move forward, you ultimately have to own responsibility for your life and create the changes you desire. Although you can receive assistance, it is your job to fix your life, not your friend's, mom's or therapist's.

You can not dwell on self-pity, anger and resentment toward others, or a victim consciousness and expect peace, wellness, and success. Eventually, you have to regain your power in order to heal your life.

If you are the one hearing about your friend's challenges, remember to listen attentively, choose kind words, use compassion, and suggest neutral sentiments.

Emotions can be temporary. If someone is complaining emphatically about his job or romantic partner one minute, he or she could be satisfied and in harmony by the end of the day after resolving the issue and working everything out.

So when someone questions "How are you doing?" and you have a lot on your plate, you can reply, "It seems like many things are shifting in my life, but I'm working to heal them."

Answering like this instead of a trite "Fine" can open up a deeper connection with others. In the current state of the world, people are seeking soulful, emotional relationships because the materialistic, physical reality they've clung to in the past is gradually deconstructing.

If you feel spiritually inclined, you can also pray for guidance, ask the angels for help, meditate in silence, or practice yoga to help transform unsettling feelings and stress into serenity and balance.

Physical, mental, or creative outlets for relieving stress and anxiety include healthy exercise, sex, laughing naturally, nurturing your inner child, learning a new hobby, journaling, painting, or engaging in other activities of interest.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational use only and is not intended to replace medical advice. Contact a physician if you have any questions or concerns about your physical, mental, or emotional health.

Photo: Morguefile/wallyir

Affirmations: I feel so much better when I talk about my feelings in a healthy, confident, and authentic way. I greatly appreciate my close friends and family who have compassionately listened to my worries and concerns over the years. I take into consideration all advice and suggestions in order to help resolve issues that are worrying or stressing me. I own responsibility for my life.

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