I used to think I had my emotions under control until an unexpected outburst some time ago set me straight. I didn’t realise how much I had bottled up; a small trigger sent me off from who I thought I was.

That day made me realise I didn’t know myself as I thought, and if I didn’t start working on my emotions, I would bleed on those who didn’t cut me. I had to start paying more attention to my triggers, patterns, and my environment.

Have you found yourself angry and can’t pinpoint the reason? We sometimes brush off these emotions, thinking they will just disappear, but they don’t. They simply linger in the background, silently shaping our moods and choices.

Emotional awareness isn’t just a phrase; it is a “game-changer”. Being intentional about practising it will change everything for you.

What Is Emotional Awareness?

Emotional awareness means recognising what you are feeling and why. It’s the ability to identify and express your emotions and understand how your actions are influenced.

Emotional awareness also allows you to understand what others are feeling and to empathise with them.

Why Emotional Awareness?

Before my emotional awareness journey, I didn’t pay much attention to my feelings. I used to think they would fade away, and I would be fine. Little did I know, I was a hot volcano waiting to erupt. Emotions like anger, fear, joy, and sadness are part of what makes us human.

“Emotional awareness is not about controlling your feelings—it’s about understanding them so they don’t control you.” Our emotions drive our behaviour, and without awareness of what we are feeling, it becomes impossible to fully understand who we are.

With emotional awareness, I have learnt to pause and reflect:

• What emotion am I feeling?
• Where is it coming from?
• What do I need?

These regular check-ins help me manage my feelings and overwhelm. I feel more connected to myself and those around me.

Not Every Emotion Needs a Reaction

One of the biggest gifts emotional awareness gives is choice.

• The choice to walk away from a heated moment.
• The choice to respond with calm instead of anger.
• The knowledge to understand and empathise with others

You’re not “Too Emotional”, but human

Many of us grew up hearing phrases like:

• “Is that why you are crying?”
• “Do you want me to give you a reason to cry?”
• “You are too sensitive.”
• “Stop taking it too seriously.”

Phrases like these teach us to hide our emotions or be ashamed of expressing them.

Gentle Reminder: You are human, and it’s okay to have emotions. You are not too much or too emotional.

Building Emotional Awareness—One Small Step at a Time

Here are a few simple ways to start building your emotional awareness:

1. Name what you feel

Journaling will help you identify those emotions. Simply writing, I don’t feel good about this, is a good place to start.

2. Take a Deep Breath before you React

This step has helped me in many situations, especially with my children. I pause to ask myself, “Why am I triggered?”

3. Your Emotions are Valid

Never let anyone make you feel your feelings aren’t valid. You have every right to your feelings; how you manage them makes the difference.

4. Don’t Hide How You Feel

Speaking about your emotions lightens the burden. This practise has helped me understand myself better.

Why Emotional Awareness Changes Everything

When you are emotionally aware:

• You stop running from your feelings.
• You start recognising who you are:
• You communicate clearly and more effectively;
• You build stronger, healthier relationships
• You make more thoughtful decisions

Emotions Aren’t the Problem—Ignoring Them Is

Emotional awareness is like cleaning a mirror—you start to see yourself more clearly once you wipe away the fog. It’s time to stop ignoring those emotions and start naming them. Being emotionally aware is like learning the language of your inner world. Suddenly, you understand what your heart has been trying to say all along.”

I hope this post will trigger a positive change in your emotional awareness journey and help you understand that it is not about fixing yourself. Rather, it’s about meeting yourself with honesty, courage, and compassion. That is where change begins.

You are not alone on this journey. We are all learning together.