This document printed from the University
of Illinois Extension Tent Poles at http://www.extension.uiuc.edu/macon/
Address your feelings
February 11, 2004
Rexlyn Nicole
Community and Economic Development Program Coordinator
Macon County Unit 2535 Millikin Parkway
Decatur, IL 62526
Phone: 217-877-6042
FAX: 217-877-4564 rxnicole@uiuc.edu
It is the month of Valentine's Day when all thoughts turn to those we love. But what are you doing for yourself? In these days of unemployment and job uncertainty, what are you doing to see that your own needs are met?
It is always much easier to tend to others than it is to tend to our own feelings. So the suggestion for this month is to see that your own feelings are known and addressed. If you are feeling depressed due to financial challenges, or loss of employment, I strongly encourage you to share those feelings with someone you trust.
Unburdening yourself to someone else can many times ease the burden you are carrying. Letting others into your life in a fashion that lets them see how you value their trust and opinion can also solidify a relationship more than a box of chocolates. So use this month to address your own feelings, whether they are sad or glad. Get connected and talk. It is the first best thing in a relationship.
If you look at life as a tent, do you know the importance of tent poles? When putting up the tent, the tent poles are hard to deal with, they are cumbersome and yet without them, there is no tent. The tent poles are there for support. They are the backbone of the tent. They are the foundation of the cover against the storm while camping. Tent poles are in your every day life as well. They are there propping you up when times are tough. Do you know who and what your tent poles are?
