All Emotions are Good Emotions
Hey there,
Emotions can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially the difficult ones. But what if I told you that all emotions—even the tough ones—are there to help us? They each serve a very important purpose. Our feelings are like signals, guiding us and showing us what’s really going on in our lives. Whether it’s fear, joy, sadness, or anger, each emotion carries a message about what truly matters and highlights areas where we might need to make changes.
In our society, we often label certain emotions as either "good" or "bad." Joy, love, and excitement are celebrated while fear, anger, and sadness are often labeled as negative or unwanted. But here's the truth: all emotions, even the tough ones - are good emotions. They are what makes us human. And, they each play a huge role in helping us navigate the world. When we allow ourselves to feel the full range of emotions, we open up to a more authentic and meaningful life. After all, emotions are a natural part of living and loving!
But acknowledging our emotions doesn't mean letting them run the show. Just because we feel something strongly doesn’t mean it has to control us or push us around. We can recognize what we’re feeling without letting it dictate our actions. The first step is to acknowledge our emotions with compassion and curiosity. So, next time an emotion shows up, try this:
Observe the Emotion: Notice what you’re feeling and label it without judgment. For example, “I’m feeling sad.” Pay attention to how it manifests in your body—what physical sensations do you experience?
Make Space for the Emotion: Instead of pushing it away, try to make space for the emotion. Breathe into it, feel your feet on the ground, and let the emotion exist without trying to change it. You may say something to yourself like, “This emotion is a sign I care”, or “It is okay to feel this way”.
Practice Self-Compassion: In these moments, treat yourself with the kindness you deserve. Place a gentle hand on your chest and see if you can send warmth and care inward. Imagine that warmth spreading throughout your body, offering comfort. You might also try speaking to yourself with gentle, reassuring words like, “I’m doing the best I can,” or “This is tough”.
The more we practice this, the easier it becomes to stay present with our emotions without getting swept away by them. You may start to notice that your emotions will naturally rise and fall, just like the waves in the ocean. Of course, some waves will be bigger than others but that’s okay! Just like ocean, we can have enough space for all of them.
By embracing all of our emotions, we give ourselves the space to live fully and authentically. Start small—maybe take a few moments each day to check in with yourself. Notice what you’re feeling, acknowledge it non-judgmentally, and see if you can sit with it for a moment without rushing to change it. Remember, building this habit takes time, but every little step counts.
All the best,
Jayne