In the midst of my daily routines, tasks, and responsibilities, I often find myself caught up in the external world—chasing goals, meeting deadlines, and tending to the needs of others. Yet, amidst all this, there’s one simple question that I’ve learned to ask myself, a question that has become a powerful tool for introspection: Do I love what I feel?

At first, this question seemed almost too simple, too easy to dismiss. But as I’ve delved deeper into it, I’ve realized that my answer reveals a lot about my relationship with myself. It’s not just about whether I’m feeling happy or sad in the moment; it’s about whether I’m embracing and accepting my emotions, whatever they may be. This, I’ve come to understand, is a true reflection of self-love.

What does it mean for me to love hat I feel?

Loving what I feel doesn’t mean that I’m always in a state of bliss or that I’m constantly trying to maintain a positive outlook. Life, in all its complexity, brings a range of emotions—some uplifting, others challenging. Loving what I feel is about acknowledging and accepting this full spectrum, allowing myself to experience each emotion without judgment or resistance.

When I can say that I love what I feel, it means I’m honoring my emotional landscape. I’m not shying away from discomfort, nor am I clinging too tightly to moments of happiness. Instead, I’m allowing myself to be present with my emotions, understanding that they all have a place in my life. This acceptance, I’ve realized, is a sign of self-love—it shows that I value myself enough to embrace my feelings, rather than suppressing or ignoring them.

The connection between my Emotions and my self-love

My emotions are like a compass, guiding me toward what’s truly important in my life. When I tune into them and approach them with love, I’m essentially saying, “I’m worth listening to. My feelings matter.”

However, there have been times when I’ve struggled to love what I feel. I’ve caught myself being overly critical, feeling guilty, or pushing away emotions that make me uncomfortable. These moments have shown me that there are areas of my self-love that need more attention. It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that certain emotions are “bad” or that feeling a certain way makes me weak. But I’m learning that when I reject these feelings, I’m also rejecting parts of myself.

By embracing all of my emotions, I’m fostering a more compassionate and authentic relationship with myself. I’m giving myself permission to be human, to feel deeply, and to grow from every experience. This, I’ve discovered, is the essence of self-love—accepting myself fully, with all my imperfections and complexities.

The role of Positive Intelligence in my journey

One of the transformative experiences on my journey toward loving what I feel has been my participation in the Positive Intelligence program. This program provided me with practical tools and strategies to cultivate a more positive and resilient mindset. It taught me how to shift away from negative thought patterns, which often triggered self-criticism and emotional resistance, and instead, embrace a more nurturing and supportive inner dialogue.

Through the Positive Intelligence program, I learned how to better recognize and quiet the “saboteurs” in my mind—the voices of doubt, fear, and negativity. In their place, I cultivated the “sage” perspective, which helped me approach my emotions with greater curiosity, empathy, and acceptance. This shift has been crucial in helping me love what I feel, no matter what emotions arise.

The exercises and practices from Positive Intelligence allowed me to develop a habit of checking in with myself throughout the day, asking, How am I feeling? and Am I approaching this with a sage mindset? These small yet powerful practices have made a significant difference in how I relate to my emotions. They’ve enabled me to love and accept my feelings as valuable parts of my experience, rather than something to be managed or fixed.

Steps I’m Taking to Cultivate Self-Love Through My Emotions

As I continue on this journey toward greater self-love, I’ve found a few practices that help me love what I feel:

1. Practicing Mindful Awareness: I start by simply observing my emotions as they arise. I try not to judge them or push them away. Instead, I notice how they feel in my body, what thoughts accompany them, and what they might be telling me about my current state of mind.

2. Labeling My Emotions: Sometimes, just naming what I’m feeling helps me understand and accept it. Whether it’s anxiety, joy, sadness, or anger, putting a label on my emotion helps me acknowledge its presence without getting overwhelmed by it.

3. Journaling My Feelings: Writing about my emotions has been incredibly therapeutic. By journaling regularly, I allow myself to express whatever comes up without censoring my thoughts. This practice helps me develop a deeper connection with my inner self.

4. Practicing Self-Compassion: I try to treat myself with the same kindness and understanding I would offer to a close friend. When difficult emotions arise, I remind myself that it’s okay to feel this way. Everyone experiences challenging emotions—it’s part of being human.

5. Finding Balance: While I strive to honor my feelings, I also recognize when it’s time to shift my focus. If I find myself stuck in a negative emotional loop, I engage in activities that bring me joy or peace, like spending time in nature, practicing yoga, or connecting with loved ones.

Why this question matters to me

“Do I love what I feel?” isn’t just a question I ask myself—it’s a way to check in with my soul.

It’s a reminder that my emotions are valid and that loving myself means loving every part of my experience, even the difficult emotions. By regularly asking myself this question, I create space for deeper self-awareness and self-compassion, both of which are essential to a healthy and loving relationship with myself.

I’ve come to realize that self-love isn’t a destination; it’s a continuous journey.

It’s about learning to be gentle with myself, to accept myself as I am, and to grow from every experience—good or bad. By embracing my emotions with love, and with the support of the Positive Intelligence program, I’m taking an important step toward nurturing the most important relationship I’ll ever have—the one with myself.

So, as I navigate the ups and downs of life, I’ll keep asking, Do I love what I feel? And I’ll let my answer guide me toward a more compassionate and fulfilling relationship with myself.