Have you ever heard of it? Are you able to identify an emotion that you may be experiencing? When someone asks you how you are feeling, do you have a standard phrase of "fine, ok, angry, mad, sad? Or, does your emotional vocabulary include some of the following words?
Joyful | Tenderness | Helpless | Defeated | Rageful |
Cheerful | Sympathy | Powerless | Bored | Outraged |
Content | Adoration | Dreading | Rejected | Hostile |
Proud | Fondness | Distrusting | Disillusioned | Bitter |
Satisfied | Receptive | Suspicious | Inferior | Hateful |
Excited | Interested | Cautious | Confused | Scornful |
Amused | Delighted | Disturbed | Grief-stricken | Spiteful |
Elated | Shocked | Overwhelmed | Helpless | Vengeful |
Enthusiastic | Exhilarated | Uncomfortable | Isolated | Disliked |
Optimistic | Dismayed | Guilty | Numb | Resentful |
Elated | Amazed | Hurt | Regretful | Trusting |
Delighted | Confused | Lonely | Ambivalent | Alienated |
Calm | Stunned | Melancholy | Exhausted | Bitter |
Relaxed | Interested | Depressed | Insecure | Insulted |
Relieved | Intrigued | Hopeless | Disgusted | Indifferent |
Hopeful | Absorbed | Sad | Pity | |
Pleased | Curious | Guilty | Revulsion | |
Confident | Anticipating | Hurt | Contempt | |
Brave | Eager | Lonely | Weary | |
Comfortable | Hesitant | Regretful | Bored | |
Safe | Fearful | Depressed | Preoccupied | |
Happy | Anxious | Hopeless | Angry | |
Love | Worried | Sorrow | Jealous | |
Lust | Scared | Uncertain | Envious | |
Aroused | Insecure | Anguished | Annoyed | |
Tender | Rejected | Disappointed | Humiliated | |
Compassionate | Horrified | Self conscious | Irritated | |
Caring | Alarmed | Shamed | Aggravated | |
Infatuated | Shocked | Embarrassed | Restless | |
Concern | Panicked | Humiliated | Grumpy | |
Trust | Afraid | Disgraced | Awkward | |
Liking | Nervous | Uncomfortable | Exasperated | |
Attraction | Disoriented | Neglected | Frustrated |
Part of "pur" emotional health is being able to identify different emotions. For years I was confused about emotions and feelings, still am at times. I used a very immature vocabulary when someone asked me, "How are you?" Nine times out of ten I would answer, "fine".
Well, I am not fine all the time. I have hard days when I feel defeated and down. I have learned to stop and breathe, put myself in time out/quiet time (same thing but one sounds a bit more on the positive note). I try to identify how I am feeling and possibly the cause of my emotion, I own it. I may not be able to change the situation, but I most definitely can change my reaction. I have the opportunity to stop and self talk through an emotion or get swept along in a wave of helpless reaction to my emotion. Comes down to controlling thoughts and behaviors. Sound easy. Not by a long shot.
This weekend was one of those times I wish I had a rewind button in my life, it would really have come in handy and saved some hurt and grief. Let me preface my story by saying, I am not feeling so well (my Mom is probably saying, "I told her to rest and take her herbs all week, this is her own fault."). Well, as I was saying, I am not feeling so well, and know that this is one of the pitfalls to negative thinking errors and a perfect storm. A secret, if you are Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired, Sick (HALTS), choose a different time to have a serious conversation. Well, long story short, I proceeded beyond the safety zone. Not one of my proudest moments. I let negative thinking and fear get to a point I that said hurtful things to someone close to me. I do not like losing control over my emotions. It makes me feel ugly and ashamed. Hurting someone else is such a disgraceful act in the eyes of God.
I cannot undo the past, but I can repent and ask for forgiveness from those I have offended and hurt. I am choosing to think before I let my temper speak for me in the future. I think the following quote from one of our beloved LDS Prophets, President Gordon B. Hinkley provided the following counsel:
Beautiful reminder full of hope and promise for us mere mortals who made a mess out of their weekend, week, month, year, or maybe life up to this point.
Have a good night, I am going to try and nurse my stuffy head and cough.
Thank you for being you.