VI. EMOTIONAL MATURITY
We have so far listed and explained some of the major emotions. We shall now move on to understand how to grow in emotional maturity.
When we are emotionally mature we can accept reality as it is, deal with loses and regrets, and solve problems effectively. We become adaptable and capable of change, able to maintain integrity in most situations, and feel good about ourselves and enjoy our relationships. Emotional maturity enables us to make appropriate decisions and stand by them, and to live up to the responsibilities arising from our commitments.
The first step in moving toward emotional maturity is becoming aware of emotions, and then naming them as and when they occur. By naming our emotions correctly and knowing what is causing them we can learn to deal with them. We can own them up, take responsibility for them and express them appropriately. Finding an integrative approach of reason and emotion is very important in the formative process. There are situations when we are prone to be ruled by either emotion or reason. Finding appropriate balance is important for discernment in any decision making process.