Once I have begun identifying my various emotions during the course of everyday life and have understood what they revolve around, the next step for me is to decipher, for the less desirable emotions, the "Why" are they coming around so often, and the "What To Do" about them. It’s now time to explore my emotions more deeply.
By making these connections, it will serve as an early warning system that will help me recognize emotions earlier in their manifestation. As I keep track of all this in my journal, I will start to see patterns and see what situations, people, thoughts, or memories consistently trigger certain emotions. When I know what these triggers are, it will give me more control on them, and also tell me what each emotion that I feel is trying to tell me, as every emotion carries a message, even some that are uncomfortable.
For instance, anger often signals that a boundary has been crossed, or an injustice has occurred. Sadness signals some kind of loss, a disappointment, or a need for comfort. Fear points to a perceived threat, a need for safety or preparation for something uncomfortable. Frustration signals a blocked goal or a need for a new approach.
On the other hand, joy signals something good, a desire to connect or celebrate. So the need for me to ask: “What is this feeling trying to tell me?" Even if it doesn’t come naturally for me, I need to use some self-compassion to treat all my emotions with kindness, especially the difficult ones. Imagine you're talking to a good friend who is feeling this way.
What would you say? I do my best to avoid criticizing myself for feeling a certain way. Emotions aren't right or wrong; they just bubble up into existence. Tomorrow, I’ll try to explain how I should respond to my emotions, so please stay tuned…
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