Emotion Diary a Simple Step Forward
Photo By: congerdesign
As we live our lives, it’s easy to get lost in the things we have to do or the things we feel we should have done. But what about the things we truly care about? Today, I want to share a practical exercise to help you tap into your emotions and better understand your likes, dislikes, and internal roadblocks. Think of this as an “emotion diary”—a tool to not only understand yourself but also align your routines, goals, and self-care practices with who you really are.
You may have heard of a dream journal, a place to write down your nightly dreams and reflect on them. An emotion diary works in a similar way, but with a focus on your day-to-day struggles or tasks that seem harder than they should be.
Why This Matters in Self-Care
Let’s say there’s a task you’ve wanted to accomplish—whether it’s starting a consistent skincare routine, wearing that bold lipstick you’ve been afraid to try, or even decluttering your beauty space—but for some reason, you just can’t bring yourself to do it. This exercise will help you figure out why.
Instead of beating yourself up for procrastinating, approach this task as a puzzle. Ask yourself:
What emotions are coming up as I try to start this task?
Are these emotions familiar? Do they remind me of a different time in my life when I felt the same way?
For example, let’s say someone told you as a child that you “fail at everything you try.” That belief might still linger, quietly sabotaging your efforts to try new things. You might hold back from embracing a bold beauty look or investing time in self-care because deep down, a part of you worries about “failing” again.
Connecting Beauty and Emotion
The emotional body, much like our physical body, holds onto stress and patterns. Just as skipping skincare or neglecting your body leads to external symptoms like dryness or tension, your emotional “symptoms”—procrastination, fear, or overwhelm—are clues to what’s happening beneath the surface.
Think of this like skincare:
Identify the Problem: Just as you notice breakouts or irritation, identify where you’re “stuck” in your emotional life.
Find the Root Cause: Much like figuring out whether stress, hormones, or diet is causing a skin issue, trace your feelings back to their source.
Treat It Gently: Write it all down. Reflect on those emotions with kindness. By acknowledging the root and addressing it, you’re gently “exfoliating” old emotional wounds that no longer serve you.
The Exercise
1. Pick a Task You’re Avoiding:
Identify a task or goal that feels challenging. It can be big (starting a new beauty routine) or small (organizing your skincare products). Be specific about the task so you have clarity.
2. Observe Your Feelings in the Moment:
Take a deep breath, sit with the task, and notice what emotions arise as you try to take action. Write them down without judgment—whether it’s frustration, overwhelm, or even apathy.
3. Identify the Physical Response (Optional):
Sometimes emotions manifest physically (a tight chest, procrastination scrolling, or fatigue). Note any physical sensations alongside your emotions. This helps connect the emotional and kinesthetic experience you mentioned.
4. Ask Yourself Reflective Questions:
What do these feelings remind me of?
When in my life have I felt this way before?
Are these emotions tied to something deeper—like an old belief, a memory, or even someone else’s expectations?
5. Write Out the Story:
Explore the root cause of the emotions. Write down as many details as you can remember about when you first felt this way, even if the memory is vague. Treat this as an exploration rather than a judgmental process.
6. Reframe the Emotion as a Clue:
Instead of seeing the block as a “failure,” reframe it as a clue pointing you toward growth. For example, if the emotion stems from fear of failure, what small step could you take to show yourself success is possible?
7. Plan a Gentle Next Step:
Write down one small, actionable step related to the task that feels manageable. This could be something tiny, like organizing one skincare product or committing to trying one thing. The goal is progress, not perfection.
What This Has to Do with Beauty
True beauty comes from embracing yourself, flaws and all. When you work through emotional blocks—whether it’s fear of failure, perfectionism, or old wounds—you make space for new, more empowering habits. That could mean finally embracing a skincare routine that works for you, trying a new makeup look, or stepping into clothes that make you feel confident.
Just like beauty routines, emotional self-care is about patience and consistency. When you take the time to understand your internal roadblocks, you’re better able to care for yourself—inside and out.
Final Note:
Your emotional and physical well-being are deeply connected. As you reflect and heal, you’re creating space to shine—not just in your beauty routines, but in every area of your life.
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