Have you ever struggled to describe how you feel? You’re not alone. Research by Brené Brown found that, on average, adults can only identify three emotions: happy, sad, and angry. Yet, we experience such a rich tapestry of feelings daily, many of which go unspoken or unrecognised.
Tools like the Feelings Wheel are transformative because they give us the words to bridge the gap between how we feel and how we can manage those emotions. As Dr. Julie Smith shares in her book Why Has Nobody Told Me This Before?, 
naming our emotions is a crucial step toward understanding ourselves and navigating challenges. I highly recommend that everyone reads it!
When we can articulate emotions like overwhelmed, resentful, or hopeful, we move closer to uncovering the underlying cause and finding ways to cope. It’s not just about identifying discomfort but also celebrating subtler joys like contentment or pride, creating a more nuanced relationship with ourselves.
Why does this matter?
When we name our emotions:
👉 We gain clarity on what’s happening internally.
👉 We can communicate better with others, strengthening relationships.
👉 We create space for growth, resilience, and action.
Learning to expand emotional vocabulary is an act of self-care and empowerment. So, let’s start asking ourselves:
What am I really feeling right now?
How can I describe this more specifically?
What behaviour led to this emotion?
My favourite purchase for people is the emotion wheel cushion, which you can buy online; search for the emotion wheel cushion.
The Emotional Wheel is a tool we explore in detail during The Mental Health Language and Awareness Training Courses.
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