Recognize Feelings (Part II)

Goal

To develop a language and an ability to recognize what you are feeling.

Feelings of Guilt (Zamore & Leutenberg, p. 48)

We all experience losses in our life, and it is common to have feelings of guilt. When the guilt is realistic and reasonable, we can learn from it and forgive ourselves. Oftentimes, however, the guilty feelings aren’t reasonable and are born out of unrealistic expectations. It is important to recognize the guilt, acknowledge it, honor it and learn to let it go, or manage it.

Feelings of Guilt Exercise (Zamore & Leutenberg, p. 47)

Instructions: While reflecting on a recent loss, considerhow you would finish these sentence-starters:

Feelings Related to Memories (Zamore & Leutenberg, pp. 52-53)

Memories of loved ones and shared times are very important, but sometimes these memories stir up strong feelings (i.e., feelings of sadness because of missing the person, feelings of relief because of no longer needing to deal with some unpleasant aspect of the person or situation). It is important to notice what you feel, stay with it, and then move on. Ways you can do this include treasuring the memories (even the unpleasant ones), sharing them with someone you trust, or journaling about them. Sometimes it’s appropriate to put aside a memory and come back to it later. Find outlets for sharing your memories. Talking about your experiences helps you to process them.

Emotional Vocabulary Exercise (Zamore & Leutenberg, pp. 38-39)

Instructions: Use the chart from the following link to identify and name some of your emotions: Vocabulary of Emotions. Refer to the chart regularly to improve your emotional vocabulary and awareness. You’ll likely notice that when you allow yourself to fully experience what you are feeling, your emotions tend to shift, sometimes slightly and sometimes dramatically.