THE ART OF CHECKING-IN

The Art of Checking In: Understanding How We Truly Feel

Why Checking In Matters

Checking in with our feelings isn't just about recognizing surface-level emotions; it's about diving deeper into the layers of our emotional experiences. When we pause and ask ourselves, "How am I feeling?" we create space to identify and acknowledge emotions that might otherwise go unnoticed. This practice can reveal hidden emotions like fear, excitement, disappointment, or hope, which are often obscured by more dominant feelings.

Understanding our true emotions is crucial for several reasons:

1. Emotional Clarity: When we name our emotions accurately, we gain clarity. This clarity allows us to respond to situations more effectively, rather than reacting impulsively out of misunderstood feelings.

2. Improved Decision-Making: Our emotions influence our decisions, whether we're aware of it or not. By checking in, we can ensure that our decisions are aligned with our true emotional state, leading to more thoughtful and intentional choices.

3. Emotional Regulation: Identifying our emotions is the first step toward regulating them. When we know what we're feeling, we can take steps to manage those emotions, whether that means calming down, expressing our feelings, or seeking support.

4. Deeper Relationships: When we're in touch with our own emotions, we're better equipped to understand and empathize with others. This emotional awareness fosters deeper, more authentic connections in our relationships.

The Power of the Plutchik Wheel of Emotions

One valuable tool for exploring our emotions is the Plutchik Wheel of Emotions. Created by psychologist Robert Plutchik, this wheel visually represents the range of human emotions and how they relate to one another. The wheel includes eight primary emotions—joy, trust, fear, surprise, sadness, disgust, anger, and anticipation—each of which can blend into other emotions to create more nuanced feelings.

For example, frustration might be a mix of anger and sadness, while optimism might blend anticipation and joy. By using the Plutchik Wheel, we can better understand the complexity of our emotions and the connections between them.

Exploring the wheel can help us move beyond vague labels like "tired" or "frustrated" and uncover the deeper emotions at play. This awareness is the first step toward processing and addressing these emotions in a healthy and constructive way.

Taking the Next Step

If you're ready to dive deeper into your emotional landscape, I encourage you to explore the interactive version of the Plutchik Wheel of Emotions [here](https://www.6seconds.org/2022/03/13/plutchik-wheel-emotions/). This tool offers an engaging way to identify and understand your emotions, paving the way for greater emotional intelligence and personal growth.

By regularly checking in with how you're feeling and using tools like the Plutchik Wheel, you'll cultivate a richer understanding of yourself. This practice can transform how you navigate your life's challenges, joys, and everything in between. So next time you ask yourself, "How am I feeling?" take a moment to really explore the answer. The insights you gain could make all the difference in your journey of self-discovery and growth.

"How am I feeling?"

This is a simple yet profound prompt that appears at the beginning and end of each of the 33 themes in The Art of LIFEing Journal. But why is this question so essential, and how does it support our journey of introspection and personal growth?

In our fast-paced world, it's easy to lose touch with our emotions. We often rush through life, labeling our feelings with broad terms like "tired," "frustrated," or "stressed." These labels can be a mask for more complex emotions that we don't take the time to explore or understand. Yet, understanding how we truly feel is a cornerstone of emotional intelligence and personal growth.