Our emotions are messages that we can sometimes struggle with
Our emotions are messages that can sometimes be difficult to understand or sit with. Rather than being something we need to push away, emotions can give us important information about what is happening within us and what we may need.
Sometimes an emotion can feel particularly strong, or we may find ourselves returning to the same feeling again and again.
Are you feeling stuck on one particular emotion?
Take a look at the guide below and notice what the emotion might be trying to tell you. You may not immediately identify with the message, and that's okay. Emotions are personal, and their meaning can be different for each of us.
It can be helpful to become curious about an emotion rather than judging it. You might ask yourself:
• What am I feeling?
• What might this emotion be trying to tell me?
• What happened just before I felt this way?
• Is there something I need right now?
• What would I like to be different?
Explore the emotion
You could use this guide as a starting point for some journalling. Write about the emotion, draw it, or even cut out pictures and words from an old magazine and create a page about how you are feeling.
Sometimes expressing an emotion creatively can help us notice things that are difficult to put into words. Give yourself some time to see what you discover. You don't have to find an answer straight away.
And if an emotion feels overwhelming, confusing or difficult to work through on your own, talking with someone you trust can help. Counselling can also provide a safe and confidential space to explore what your emotions may be communicating and what you might need.
Sometimes, listening to our emotions with curiosity and compassion can be the first step towards understanding ourselves a little more.
