My 6-year old daughter experiences emotions very easily. One minute she will be happy playing, and then the next minute she will be angry and pouting. The next minute she will be crying about something, followed quickly by laughing. My wife and I are very careful to let her know that having these feelings is not a bad thing, and of the importance of allowing the emotions to happen.

Ironically, as lawyers we are typically pretty terrible at dealing with our own emotions. Rather than feeling and processing our emotions – whether they be anger, fear, frustration, anxiety, shame, or yes, even happiness and joy – we push them down, often with the help of alcohol. And when all those emotions finally erupt, and they will erupt, the result can be spectacular.

TAKEAWAY: it is important to feel your emotions.