Emotional Clarity: The Psychology of Storms
While it can be, clarity isn’t immediate.
Oftentimes, we try to see through the storm — navigate, push forward, and reach our destination anyway. But sometimes, the wisest thing you can do is put your hazards on and pull over under the bridge.
Clinical Insight
In psychology, clarity can be understood as cognitive coherence — the internal alignment of your beliefs, thoughts, and actions. Simply put, it’s aligned peace: everything flows together with little to no contradiction. It’s the certainty that the different aspects of your mental world fit together seamlessly.
Transitions, stress, and decision fatigue are all forms of the storm that distort and alter our perspective.
When the storm comes, we often become unsettled and uncertain. We start to ask ourselves: How long will this last? Do I have what I need? I can’t move forward until this is over. Am I stuck?
From My POV
I encourage clients to think from an emotionally wealthy space. You are the executive in your life, you get to DECIDE what is/isn’t allowed in your life. Make executive decisions before the board meetings.
We cannot force the rain to stop instead we just have to let it “slack up” ( as my grandmother used to say😅) It settles naturally when there’s no more resistance.
This mirrors emotional regulation, when we stop trying to “fix” everything or create waves, we allow ourselves to breathe while the internal waters calm. The reflection returns.
This is why we regulate first and decide later — emotional clarity cannot exist in stirred water.
In session, this might look like grounding before reflection, noticing before reacting, or allowing silence before answers.
Ashley, why is this Important?
The ability to regulate your emotional state is a clear sign of emotional maturity.
It allows you to absorb facts, make wise and thoughtful choices, and avoid impulsive or irrational decisions. Emotional clarity protects you from reacting out of confusion and empowers you to respond from peace.