Running from Emptiness: Exploring Childhood Emotional Neglect with Jonice Webb

Episode 110,   Dec 20, 2023, 01:29 AM

How to overcome and end emotional neglect?

1. Acknowledge the neglect: Recognize and accept that you have experienced emotional neglect. This will allow you to validate your feelings and experiences.

2. Understand the impact: Educate yourself about emotional neglect and its effects on your well-being. This will help you gain a better understanding of your emotional needs and the areas that require improvement.

3. Seek therapy or counseling: Engaging in therapy with a qualified mental health professional can be immensely beneficial. They can help you navigate through your emotions, provide guidance, and help you develop healthy coping mechanisms.

4. Practice self-care: Focus on self-care activities that nurture your emotional well-being. This can include indulging in hobbies you enjoy, setting boundaries, practicing mindfulness or meditation, and taking care of your physical health.

5. Build a support network: Surround yourself with supportive and understanding individuals. Seek out relationships that prioritize emotional connection and mutual support. This can include friends, family members, or support groups.

6. Communicate your needs: Learn to assertively communicate your emotional needs to others. Express yourself honestly and openly, allowing yourself to be vulnerable. This will help establish healthier and more fulfilling relationships.

7. Develop healthy coping mechanisms: Find healthy ways to cope with difficult emotions such as journaling, exercising, practicing relaxation techniques, or engaging in creative outlets.

8. Practice self-compassion: Be kind to yourself and offer yourself compassion. Understand that overcoming emotional neglect takes time and effort. Celebrate your progress and treat yourself with patience and understanding.

Why is Running On Empty a good book?

1. Engaging Storyline: Running On Empty captivates readers with an intriguing and thought-provoking plot. It revolves around a teenage protagonist named Michael, who struggles to cope with his dysfunctional family and their destructive secrets. The story provides suspense and keeps readers hooked until the end.

2. Well-Developed Characters: The characters in Running On Empty are complex and relatable, which allows readers to connect with their struggles and dilemmas. Michael's emotional journey and internal conflicts are portrayed convincingly, evoking empathy and making readers invested in his story.

3. Realistic Representation of Mental Health: The novel sensitively explores the topic of mental health, particularly the impact of growing up in a dysfunctional family. The author, S. E. Durrant, handles the subject matter with nuance, providing a realistic portrayal of the challenges faced by individuals affected by such circumstances.

4. Emotional Depth: Running On Empty delves into the emotional turmoil experienced by the characters, addressing themes of grief, loss, forgiveness, and resilience. The book evokes a range of emotions, making readers reflect on their own experiences and empathize with the characters' journeys.

5. Writing Style: S. E. Durrant's writing style is engaging, accessible, and evocative. The prose is compelling yet simple, allowing readers to easily immerse themselves in the story and relate to the characters' experiences.

Why is it called Running On Empty?

Running On Empty is the title of a 1977 song and album by American singer-songwriter Jackson Browne. The phrase "running on empty" is a metaphor commonly used to describe a situation where one is lacking energy, motivation, or resources.

In the context of the song and album, "running on empty" represents a state of emotional exhaustion and burnout. Browne wrote the song while reflecting on the whirlwind lifestyle of a touring musician and the toll it takes on one's personal life and relationships. The lyrics express feelings of being constantly on the move, living out of a suitcase, and feeling disconnected from oneself and others.

The album as a whole explores various aspects of Browne's life and experiences, as well as commenting on societal issues and the challenges of living in America in the late 1970s. It has been described as a deeply introspective and reflective work, touching on themes of love, loss, disillusionment, and the pursuit of happiness.

The title "Running On Empty" not only captures the essence of Browne's personal and emotional state at the time, but also resonates with listeners who can relate to feelings of exhaustion, longing, and emptiness. It has since become a well-known phrase in popular culture, often used to describe any situation where someone is pushing themselves to their limits or feeling emotionally drained.