We are all like puzzles, and it is through the interplay of emotions and feelings that the full picture of who we are begins to emerge.
Emotions are fleeting. They arise intensely, raw and unfiltered, lasting only about six seconds. Fear, anxiety, sadness, shame, anger—these are like small, scattered pieces of a puzzle. They may seem disconnected, sometimes overwhelming, but they are essential fragments of our human experience. They are the first step in building something bigger and more meaningful.
Feelings, on the other hand, are the larger picture formed by arranging these emotional puzzle pieces. They emerge when we give meaning and order to our emotions. To experience a lasting feeling, such as peace, we must arrange our emotional puzzle pieces. Only then can a stable, harmonious feeling take root and shape our lives and relationships. While emotions flash and fade, feelings stay, shaping the way we perceive the world and ourselves within it.
Feelings act as a bridge between our emotions and the stories we tell ourselves about who we are. They arise when we reflect on our emotions, providing depth, understanding, and a sense of continuity. Emotions can feel chaotic and transient, but feelings ground us, allowing us to make sense of the storm within. This grounding is crucial in helping us build resilience, empathy, and self-awareness. Without this process, emotions remain unresolved, leaving us fragmented and disconnected from ourselves.
Together, emotions and feelings act as a dynamic duo. Emotions provide the raw material—the individual pieces—while feelings assemble them into a coherent picture. As we process these elements, the fuller picture of who we are begins to emerge. Just as a completed puzzle reveals an image, this integration of emotions and feelings reveals our essence—our unique, authentic selves.
What struck me most that day was how essential both emotions and feelings are. We often fear or dismiss emotions like anger, sadness, or shame, but they are not our enemies. They are clues, signposts, and puzzle pieces waiting to be understood. And feelings, the deeper narratives that emerge, give our lives meaning and depth.
As a coach, I now feel a renewed sense of purpose. My role is not to force someone’s puzzle together, but to sit with them as they sort the pieces, supporting them in discovering what fits where. Emotions may seem fleeting, but they form the foundation. Feelings may take longer to emerge, but they create the beautiful, lasting picture of a person’s journey and identity.
Every puzzle is unique, every piece matters, and the process of assembling them is as valuable as the final picture. This reflection is not just about coaching—it’s about life. It’s about seeing ourselves and others not as incomplete or “broken,” but as works in progress, ever-evolving and always beautiful. Every emotion and feeling has its place, and together, they create the masterpiece of who we truly are.
🌟Now is the perfect moment to take the first step toward change. Book your personal coaching session today and start building a future full of success and fulfillment.