If Feelings Could Talk

I came across an image recently on Instagram that jumped out to me. Its title was “If Feelings Could Talk,” it broke down the messages that various emotions could be trying to send us. I liked this and immediately wanted to post it in my therapy office as it highlights what we often forget - our emotions serve a purpose. If we pay attention, our emotions are usually giving us a hint about something we need. In my therapy, I share a message about the validity and usefulness of all our feelings, even when they are uncomfortable or less desirable. We tend to want to escape emotions when they are not pleasant, but it is essential to give space and attention to the vast array of emotions we experience so we can fulfil ourselves in the myriad of ways that we truly need. 

The poster said:

• Sadness might be telling me I need to cry.

• Loneliness might be telling me I need connection.

• Shame might be telling me I need self-compassion.

• Resentment might be telling me I need to forgive.

• Emptiness might be telling me I need to do something creative.

• Anger might be telling me I need to check in with my boundaries.

• Anxiety might be telling me I need to breathe.

• Stress might be telling me I need to take it one step at a time.

The original post came from Whole Hearted School Counselling an incredible resource for a wide variety of information and ideas, including illustrations about emotions and well-being.