Want to level-up your emotional intelligence?? (This one might sound really strange, but bear with me…) When it comes to emotions, we usually say, “I’m sad…” I’m angry…” “I’m frustrated…” “I’m stressed.” But here’s what we don’t realize… When we say “I AM [insert emotion]” it becomes a part of who we are, rather than a temporary and fleeting emotion. There’s a permanence to it. In using “I AM…”, we come to identify with the emotion as if we ARE the emotion. When we look to emotion and cognitive behavioural research, an emotion is felt in response to some sort of stimulus, based on how we INTERPRET it and the MEANING we apply. So if we can learn to heighten our self-awareness when it comes to how we refer to emotions, it can change how we experience them. All it requires is a simple tweak: Instead of: “I AM… [insert emotion].” Try: “My brain and body have registered the emotion of X.” Or if that sounds too un-natural (totally understandable), try more simply, “I FEEL [insert emotion].” It’s a simple way to remind yourself in the moment that you are NOT your emotion, even if it may feel that way. And you can change the meaning you apply to an event. (Interestingly, this is the basis of cognitive behavioural therapy). Share how you FEEL, not what you ARE. Have you ever done this before? How did it feel? 👇 _________________________ #shorts To find out more about Shadé, visit the website: https://www.shadezahrai.com Follow her on: • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shadezahrai/ • TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@shadezahrai • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shadezahraispeaker • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shadezahrai