As you’ve read in other articles on this blog, emotional awareness is a necessary part of growing in your recovery. As you become more aware of your emotions, you have a greater chance of being able to manage them. If you don’t know what you’re feeling or when, those feelings can more easily get the best of you.
However, if you have the ability to notice what you’re feeling, then experiencing shame, for instance, won’t send you to the liquor store to wash those “dirty” feelings away.
Instead, you can stop yourself and say, “Alright, this is what I’m feeling and I’m not going let it control me. I’m going to control it.” (Shame, by the way, is one of the most difficult emotions to manage or control.)
Growing emotional awareness requires knowing yourself. It requires knowing the kinds of emotions you tend to have. One exercise you can do to help you develop emotional awareness is to go through the following list of feelings and circle the ones that you tend to experience.
Pinpoint the feelings that you are familiar with. This might even happen with feelings you might not have ever really noticed it up until now. The following list is meant to be used as a tool for growing your emotional awareness.
Unpleasant Feelings Include
- Anger
- Aggression
- Annoyed
- Antagonistic
- Bitter
- Cross
- Enraged
- Exasperated
- Furious
- Hostile
- Incensed
- Irritated
- Mad
- Provoked
- Resentful
- Upset
- Aloof
- Bored
- Detached
- Distant
- Lifeless
- Neutral
- Uncaring
- Unresponsive
- Weary
- Ashamed
- Blue
- Defeated
- Desperate
- Disappointed
- Discouraged
- Exhausted
- Gloomy
- Guilty
- Helpless
- Hopeless
- Miserable
- Powerless
- Regreatful
- Sad
- Unhappy
- Vulnerable
- Weak
- Afraid
- Alarmed
- Anxious
- Apprehensive
- Disturbed
- Doubtful
- Edgy
- Fearful
- Intimidated
- Restless
- Scared
- Suspicious
- Terrified
- Threatened
- Worried
- Disillusioned
- Disoriented
- Distrustful
- Doubtful
- Embarrassed
- Hesitant
- Lost
- Mistaken
- Pessimistic
- Shy
- Tense
- Uncertain
- Uneasy
- Unsure
- Alienated
- Bothered
- Appalled
- Crushed
- Dejected
- Deprived
- Distressed
- Heartbroken
- Humiliated
- Injured
- Rejected
- Offended
- Used
- Wounded
Pleasant Feelings Include
- Amazed
- Open
- Harmonious
- Interested
- Loving
- Pleasant
- Receptive
- Responsive
- Satisfied
- Sensitive
- Sympathetic
- Trusting
- Understanding
- Accepted
- Tender
- Affectionate
- Appreciated
- Attracted
- Caring
- Close
- Comforted
- Loved
- Protected
- Safe
- Secure
- Sensitive
- Touched
- Understood
- Warm
- Amused
- Animated
- Cheerful
- Delighted
- Ecstatic
- Elated
- Enthusiastic
- Fortunate
- Glad
- Important
- Joyful
- Lighthearted
- Lively
- Lucky
- Overjoyed
- Playful
- Satisfied
- Thankful
- Wonderful
- Aroused
- Attentive
- Attracted
- Concerned
- Curious
- Engrossed
- Enthusiastic
- Excited
- Fascinated
- Impressed
- Inquisitive
- Inspired
- Intrigued
- Moved
- Responsive
- Awesome
- Certain
- Courageous
- Energetic
- Forgiven
- Free
- Impulsive
- Innocent
- Liberated
- Optimistic
- Playful
- Provocative
- Refreshed
- Relieved
- Sure
- Thrilled
- Bold
- Brave
- Confident
- Convinced
- Daring
- Determined
- Eager
- Blessed
- Calm
- Comfortable
- Encouraged
- Excellent
- Free
- Gentle
- Patient
- Peaceful
- Pleased
- Reassured
- Relaxed
- Tranquil
- Unconcerned
- Capable
- Dynamic
- Perceptive
- Powerful
- Rebellious
- Reliable
- Secure
- Steady
- Tough
These are a list of feelings that might be useful in your recovery. They are meant to be used to become more emotionally aware. As human beings, we are more than just sad, glad, or mad. We can feel all of the emotions listed above. And knowing which feelings you tend to have can keep you from reacting to them, and instead responding with acceptance, patience, and self-love.
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