Becoming Authentic Can Lead to a Happier You

Hillary Clinton made big headlines for getting emotional during a campaign stop. And, while she was criticized by many in the media for appearing to be on the verge of tears, one expert suggests that showing emotions in public is actually a sign of strength, and that showing emotions (without getting too carried away) is actually good for us.    

“People think that if you express any emotion that you’re weak,” said Jacqueline Sidman, PhD, creator of the  Sidman Solution. “We all have emotions, but when they’re not expressed verbally or allowed to surface … they go inside and become suppressed. Ultimately we become angry, and anger can lead to very negative behaviors.”

Dr. Sidman has developed a six-week program that includes hypnosis to help people release unwanted behaviors such as overeating, depression, anxiety, and addictions. She says it’s important for each of us to be in touch with our feelings, acknowledge the negative ones, feel them, and let them go. “Then, they really don’t have any power over you later on.”

Many of us get so wrapped up with daily life, and a seemingly never-ending “to-do” list that we might not be in touch with our feelings at all. With the New Year here, you might want to set aside a little time to take an inventory of your life—personal and professional—to determine where you’re stuck, and write down what you would like to allow into your life in 2008.

Some of the behaviors you are determined to change may have been with you longer than you realize.  

“People come into the world trying to please their parents. And then they lose track of who they are,” said Dr. Sidman. “But when you stop trying to please other people you become who you really are.’

“Instead of trying to figure out what’s going to please another person, determine what will make you happy … You’ll be better able to serve your loved ones and the world around you. When you stop trying to please other people you become who you really are.”