The Power of Naming Your Feelings & How it Can Set You Free.
Let’s play a game.
Think back to a time recently when you felt… off.
Not sad exactly. Not mad either. But definitely not okay.
You found yourself saying things like:
“I don’t know what’s wrong with me.”
“I’m just in a funk.”
“I’m fine… or I will be after I get through this…”
We’ve all been there. (Hi, I used to be a self proclaimed professional pain avoider!)
Here’s the thing: when we don’t know what we’re feeling, it’s really hard to know what we need.
It’s like having a check-engine light on but no clue what part of the engine is smoking.
Cue: frustration, confusion, and a strong urge to hide under a blanket with snacks, or hop on AirBnB and plan a trip that I’m never actually going to take.
Why Naming Your Feelings Matters
Now let me tell you a little emotional health secret:
Clarity is healing.
When you can say, “Ohhh — that’s anxiety,”
or “This is grief showing up uninvited again,”
or even “I’m not angry, I’m overwhelmed and exhausted and no one’s asked me how I’m doing in days” —
something inside you settles.
There was a time I thought I was angry, but when I dug under the surface and gave my heart a little space, I realized that I was actually feeling really lonely. If you know me, you might be surprised that I would feel lonely, and trust me, so was I!
When we give a correct name to what you are feeling
You stop spiraling.
You stop shaming yourself.
You start soothing yourself.
Naming the feeling doesn’t fix everything.
But it takes you from confusion to compassion.
And that? That’s a game-changer.
But… What If I Don’t Know What I’m Feeling?
First of all: you are not weird or broken.
Most of us were not taught how to name our emotions.
We were taught how to perform, please, or power through.
So, here are a few gentle ways to start tuning in:
Start with your body.
Is your chest tight? Is your jaw clenched? Are you jittery or heavy? Your body often knows before your brain does.Use a feelings wheel (seriously).
Google “feelings wheel” or keep a short list in your phone. Scanning for the right word can bring a surprising amount of clarity. Anytime we are learning a new language we need to learn the vocabulary. Having a feelings wheel can help us learn the vocabulary for what we are feeling.Say what it feels like, even if it’s messy.
“It feels like I want to cry and punch a pillow and crawl into a nap at the same time.” Valid. Start there.Practice in community.
Being with people who can help you name and validate what you’re experiencing? Healing.
This is why I love group consulting so much.
You Don’t Have to Carry It Alone
If you’ve been feeling like a tangled ball of emotions and don’t know how to start sorting it out — you don’t have to do it by yourself.
Being in a space where it’s safe to feel things, name things, and let other people nod their heads and say “Me too”?
It’s not just comforting — it’s transformative.
This is the heart of my group consulting:
Small groups, safe space, and support for your inner world.
You get to show up fully human.
You get to practice naming what’s going on inside.
You get to feel seen — not fixed, just seen.
We’re starting a new round soon, and if your heart whispered “Maybe?”
I’d love to have you.
Get all the info & save your spot right here:
Your feelings are valid.
You’re not too much.
And you are not too late!
