Feelings Can Fool You
Waypoint Message
Your feelings are real and valid, but sometimes they can trick you into believing things that aren't actually true. Just like how a fun house mirror makes you look taller or shorter than you really are, strong emotions can make situations seem bigger, scarier, or more hopeless than they actually are. When you're anxious, your brain might whisper "everyone thinks you're weird" even when people are just focused on their own lives. When you're sad, it might tell you "things will never get better" even though difficult feelings always pass with time. Learning to notice when your emotions are clouding your judgment is like having a superpower that helps you make better decisions and feel more confident in challenging moments.
Success Strategies
1. The Fact vs. Feeling Check: When you notice a strong emotion, pause and write down what you're thinking. Then ask: "Is this a fact I can prove, or is this my feeling talking?" For example, "I failed that test" (fact) vs. "I'm terrible at everything" (feeling talking).
2. The Weather Report: Treat your emotions like weather - notice them and name them without judgment. Say "I'm having anxious weather right now" or "There's some stormy anger moving through." This reminds you that feelings, like weather, always change.
3. The Time Travel Question: When something feels catastrophic, ask: "Will this matter in 5 years? 5 months? Even 5 days?" This helps put temporary problems in perspective.
Shift your thinking:
Use the shift cards below to reframe your outlook on the day.
Connection Matters:
Use the connection cards below to start a conversation with the people around you.