on outlets and identities

I am told (not for the first time, mind you)

that I need (non-destructive) outlets

for my emotions 

mentally (writing? crying? shouting?)

physically (running? chopping firewood?)

and spiritually  (...?)

and if I use them appropriately 

then the pain, with time,

will loose of its strength

and, with time 

it will start to feel more like 

the memory of pain.

So far, so good. How do I start it, though?

And how do I get back on track after 

a blood-thirsty dream-splurge or two?

The other interesting task

may be to 

well, first accept reality both on the factual level (what has been has been and may (have) be(en)), and on the emotional (what I feel is what I feel and I may feel so)--anyway, that isn't the point now

but then

to take my interpretations

(whatever I tell myself, think, surmise)

and review those 

in the light of what I know to be true--mostly Scripture.

What's funny in it is that 

every now and again I came across this concept earlier 

building up an identity based on faith

but it always felt like such a 

useless thing to spend time on

I mean, isn't it obvious that 

we are loved sinners 

whose Father and Maker delights in them

who are precious beyond any other creature etc. etc.?

Well, she who stands should be careful

not to fall...