Defining Moments, Part 2 - Overcome: Emotional Tsunamis

"Didn't sea this coming!" The moments, which usually result in a chain reaction, of some of the strongest of emotions, starting with an individual and then a contagion, both those we find more genial and, of course, those we find ourselves 'fighting off'. We've all been there and will likely experience this psychological phenomenon again, no matter how much you prep, try to wall off feelings, ward off negative emotions, keep the fears, jeers, tears at bay. A tsunami. You'd think by now, given all my experience, I'd be more prepared, able to fend these off..."I'm so overwhelmed, caught by surprise, off guard, ill-prepared..."

Holding, Reaching Back: After either a brief, momentary attempt to ward off a particular emotional reaction due to circumstance, necessity ("holding it together while under pressure"), or a more prolonged endurance event (e.g., caring for a loved one over an extended period which eventuates in loss), you experience the flood gates opening, a flow of tears that seems to have no end. This also applies to 'stifled laughter', which can also some at the most inopportune times, no matter the amount of effort applied -- embarrassing, to say the least. And. of course, these two apparently polar opposite response patterns can occur almost like rapid fire, in tandem, simultaneous ("tears of sorrow, joy and laughter"), frequently the case at milestone events. Sometimes, depending on the intensity and the length of time you've been "holding back, keeping it together", it can feel like a...tsunami.

Self Aware, Beware: Being aware of your (my) vulnerabilities, based on some of your most 'momentous' experiences (both bad and good) -- "triggers" as one mature adult referred to them yesterday, a woman surprised she is still "vulnerable" to strong emotional reactions, accompanied by some strong physical, visceral internal sensations, when experiencing situations where she feels demeaned or otherwise treated unfairly, after earlier domestic maltreatment. This, in order to better prepare for the unavoidable, more anticipated encounters with people or circumstances bearing some resemblance to the originally stressful, traumatic experience(s). In contrast to those that are more discretionary, the people and situations you seek out, some of which also, still, nevertheless catch us by surprise, and it may take some doing to trace back the origins of some strong emotional reactions that occur in ostensibly harmless, benign, even calm waters..."maverick waves!" after a more friendly "surfs up...come on in, the water's fine!" Sometimes it's a matter of timing, as in when to get in, when to get out, at least avoid the rip tide, the ones that sweep you off your feet, take you out to sea...getting a foothold so as to not take "leave of your senses..."

Taking Inventory: On the way to, a tool for, being self-aware, enlightened, at least partially prepared, maintain self-control, a measure of decorum. A formal "Step" in "12 Step" programs, and an exercise corporations and small businesses alike do from time to time, either by necessity ("tax time!") or at their own discretion, in order to be good stewards of resources. Personally, best to do when you're not under intense pressure of time or circumstance, when you can be the most objective, "upon reflection". Emotionally speaking, what are the situations, events, times ("moments, minutes, or longer intervals) that have been the most 'potent', that portend the strongest of emotional reactions? Helps a bit, while intellectual honesty and wealth of experience compel me to admit I/we can never be fully prepared for such "moments", those that range from being (next):

Stupendous to Portentous, Heralded/Un.