Have you ever noticed how we can remember vivid details from a single moment long ago, but we can’t remember what we had for breakfast this morning? When we sit down to reflect on everything that’s ever happened to us, we tend to forget many of the details (like the who, the what, the where, the when, and the why). Yet, if the moment was important enough we can easily recall how something made us feel. That’s not a coincidence! That’s the power of emotion.
If you’ve seen the movie Inside Out, you’re probably familiar with the basics: joy, sadness, anger, fear, and disgust. These emotions are more than just characters in a story, they represent essential aspects of our human experience. A major problem in modern society is that we tend to label emotions as ‘good’ or ‘bad,’ creating a hierarchy that can lead to shame or avoidance. The truth is that all emotions, whether pleasant or unpleasant, serve a valuable purpose. They’re feedback from our inner selves about our needs and experiences!
Emotion as an Indicator
Think of emotions like the warning lights on a car’s dashboard. Just like those lights tell us when something needs attention in our car, emotions help us understand what’s going on inside us and around us. Feeling angry might mean that someone has crossed a boundary. Feeling sad could mean that you’ve lost something important and need to process it. Paying attention to our emotions helps us understand whether our basic needs—like feeling safe, independent, supported, or free to express ourselves—are being met.
When we see emotions as signals instead of judgments, we can learn more about ourselves and our relationships. A strong emotion is a sign to pause and think: What is this feeling trying to tell me? Is something missing or being unfulfilled? By understanding our emotions and using logic at the same time, we can handle social situations better, make smarter choices, and communicate more clearly.
Using Emotional Information
Imagine facing a difficult decision at work. You might feel anxiety about all the potential outcomes. Instead of dismissing that anxiety as bad, use it to explore your beliefs about security and control. These are often things that contribute to our sense of safety. Balancing that emotional insight with rational thinking and your core values can lead to more informed, confident choices.
Ultimately, emotions enrich our lives, guiding us through connections and experiences. So next time you feel something intense, remember—it’s not just an emotion; it’s your inner wisdom speaking. Let it guide you on your journey <3
If you are interested in learning more about your emotions or how to regulate them, please click the link below.