DECRYPTING EMOTION

Emotions shape every moment of our lives. They fuel our joy, test our patience, and sometimes take control when we least expect it. For many of us, emotions can feel uncomfortable, and facing them isn’t always easy. Yet, if you’re willing to embrace the discomfort, even briefly, you might uncover some unexpected insights.

Brené Brown’s Atlas of the Heart transformed my understanding of emotions. The book is based on a five-year study of 7,000 people, which revealed that most of us can identify only three emotions: happiness, sadness, and anger. In response, she maps out 87 emotions, using personal anecdotes and relatable examples to differentiate them.

Brown’s prose led me to two powerful takeaways:

1. All emotions are part of the human experience.

2. Naming emotions helps neutralize them, removing unnecessary judgment and revealing the deeper messages they hold.

Here is my simple process for decrypting emotions:

• Notice it: Pause and acknowledge what you are feeling.

• Name it: Identify the specific emotion you are experiencing.

• Ask: What is this emotion trying to tell me?

This approach helps us decipher the hidden message behind an emotion rather than react impulsively. It also prevents emotions from intensifying or morphing into something harder to manage.

As you go through your week, I invite you to experiment with this process. Notice, name, and listen to your emotions. You might be surprised by what they reveal!

I’d be delighted to hear your thoughts—feel free to hit reply and share what you discover.

Sending love and hugs,

Coach Caren