(Feelings Wheel)
Be real—at some point, we’ve all had that “ugh, feelings” moment. Emotions can be messy and inconvenient, but they’re an essential part of being human. Whether they’re positive, negative, or somewhere in between, getting comfortable with our feelings is key to emotional regulation. And guess what? When we learn to acknowledge all our emotions—good and bad—we stop trying to avoid the negative ones or cap out on the positive ones.
So, how do you actually feel your feelings?
1. Name It
One of the easiest ways to start is by using the Feelings Wheel (yep, it's a thing!). This tool organizes emotions into six major groups, helping you pinpoint exactly what you're feeling. Once you can name it, you’re halfway there!
2. Observe It
Where does this feeling show up in your body? Is it in your chest, your stomach, your head? Notice if there’s a physical sensation attached to it. The trick here is to observe without judging—just take note and allow the feeling to be present.
3. Respond to It
What is this feeling trying to tell you? Does it mean you need connection, action, or maybe just a little self-care? Sometimes you don’t need to "fix" the feeling—just acknowledging it is enough.
4. Release It
Once you’ve listened to what your feelings are trying to communicate, it’s time to let them go. Feelings are like waves—they rise, they peak, and then they pass.
Fun Fact: Feelings Don’t Last Forever
Believe it or not, emotions are fleeting. They typically last around two minutes—until we start overthinking them! This is called an "Emotional Comeback." When that happens, you can restart the process and, again, let it go.
Feeling your feelings isn’t always easy, but mindfulness can really help. Checking in with your body is a powerful way to stay connected to your emotional health, and over time, it gets easier.
-Latise
Great read! Thank you for sharing!