Where do emotions come from?

I am not gonna lie here…I really don't know a lot about emotions. I know I have them – I feel sad, happy, frustrated, tired (is that an emotion or a state of mind and body?)

So, in order to figure it all out, I went to the internet. And guess what? I found tons of information. A mind boggling amount of information. A mind boggling amount of conflicting information. I read a few articles and came away scratching my head. How did I know which ones where true?

How do they know that my mind does xxx when I am angry? How do they know that I can feel physical pain when I am sad?

For example – I found this list: 8 Primary Emotions

According to the article we are born with these 8 primary emotions. ‘You are born with these emotions wired into your brain. That wiring causes your body to react in certain ways and for you to have certain urges when the emotion arises.' (I wish I could credit the article but there was no name).

• Anger: fury, outrage, wrath, irritability, hostility, resentment, and violence.
• Sadness: grief, sorrow, gloom, melancholy, despair, loneliness, and depression.
• Fear: anxiety, apprehension, nervousness, dread, fright, and panic.
• Joy: enjoyment, happiness, relief, bliss, delight, pride, thrill, and ecstasy.
• Interest: acceptance, friendliness, trust, kindness, affection, love, and devotion.
• Surprise: shock, astonishment, amazement, astound, and wonder.
• Disgust: contempt, disdain, scorn, aversion, distaste, and revulsion.
• Shame: guilt, embarrassment, chagrin, remorse, regret, and contrition.

That all seems good to me…

…but when I look at the list…it seems to me that every word is just another way of saying the same thing, right? Now, I did take a look at the word ‘Joy: Enjoyment, happiness, relief, bliss, delight, pride, thrill and ecstasy'. I found that fascinating. Why? Well…because even though joy is an emotion, it is also a choice. You choose joy.

All of the other words in the joyful list are based on circumstances. Get the raise – feel happy. He proposes – feel delight. Lift the heavier weight – feel pride. So, let me ask you, what happens if you don't get the raise, he does not propose or you drop the weight? Does that mean that you can't experience joy? Does that mean that everything is over and you just need to get a new job, new boyfriend, or new gym?

I also found this article: 5 Reasons Why Emotions Are Important. I was intrigued because the article says that ‘Emotions Can Motivate You to Act.' Now, acting does not necessarily mean doing. It can also mean saying, thinking, or behaving.

Why are emotions important?

Emotions are important in acknowledging how we feel. Or, better yet, how something or someone makes us feel. You say this…I feel that. You do that…I feel this. Acknowledging those emotions is important so you don't stuff it. Sweep it under the carpet. Pretend it does not exist or did not happen. But, I gotta say, once you acknowledge your emotions you do NOT need to lash out or practice unforgiveness. It just means that they are there….you process them and you rise above and react in a different manner.

Are you wondering where I am going with all of this? Are you wondering if I have a point?

Yes I do have a point and it is this…I have been encouraging women to choose joy everyday for over a year now. I have been encouraging women to rise above their circumstances and to choose joy. I have been encouraging women to NOT let the circumstance determine who they really are. To not let those circumstances determine what they say, how they act/react or behave. I have been encouraging women to choose themselves….not their circumstances.

And, so I get a tad frustrated when all I read is that certain circumstances will trigger certain things in you and because of those triggers you will succumb to the emotion. And no, I am not saying you can't be sad, angry, hurt, frustrated, irritated, or any other emotion out there. It is important to feel what you feel.

But, it is also important to NOT let those emotions turn you into someone you don't want to be. Someone who looks at life as half empty rather than half full.

You can be sad and choose joy. You do NOT need to let that sadness control your life. You can be upset and choose joy. You do not need to let that irritation control your life.

In closing, do you ever wonder what emotions trigger negative reactions in you? Have you ever thought about how to react a different way? No? I encourage you to give it some thought. Because once you know…you can be in control – YOUR control. Which gives you the ability and power to choose joy…everyday.

And by the way, the ‘My Emotions' checklist is included in the Joyful Living Tool Box. Tools to help you live a more fulfilled life. Grab yours right HERE.

Sometimes when things aren't going the way that you ‘think they should' stress sets in, right?

And when stress sets in it is sometimes difficult to be happy or joyful. So, don’t let stress have the last word! 

Go on and take a look at the ‘Top 5 Stress Reducers' (Action Plan included). So that you can eliminate what causes you stress and get on the path of living a joyful life.

What is Joyful Living all about?

Joyful Living is ALL about not letting let the circumstances of YOUR life determine who you really are. You learn to choose YOU instead! Not sure how to do that? Let me help! 

To begin, go ahead and read:

• What is Joyful Living?
• 5 Simple Steps to Choosing Joy
• Finding Joy in All Things
• What Does God Say About Joy?
• Difference Between Happiness and Joy

PIN FOR LATER: WHERE DO EMOTIONS COME FROM?