What about you? How do you want to feel about YOUR life?

Our feelings, or emotions, are a very accurate and built in barometer of whether or not we’re living our life in sync with our inner most self; the part of our SELF that isn’t as concerned with what we do for doing’s sake as it is in fulfilling our deeper life purpose.

If you live life without honoring your feelings, chances are you’re not living the life God (The Universe, Higher Power) intends for you to live.

What can you do to become more aware of your feelings?

* Understanding the common misconceptions and obstacles many face when it comes to honoring their feelings, is a good place to start.

* Feelings are seen as weak, where “doing” is strong. We are a society of doers. “Doing” is still highly respected in our society and for some reason we think “doing and feeling” can’t work together. But consider the success secrets of the super-successful like Warren Buffet and Michael Jordan. They have said “trusting their gut” (their feelings about something) has lead to very wise business decisions, much more so than analysis. Oprah Winfrey has said many times if she feels “doubt”, she doesn’t act. To her, “doubt means don’t.

* Fear of appearing “emotional” or “flaky”. The act of examining and honoring your feelings doesn’t have to look or be dramatic. Rather, it can be a personal act no one is privy to.

* Thinking of ME first is selfish. Were you raised to “be nice”? For many of us “being nice” meant “giving in” to the wishes of others. Honoring your feelings first, is not a selfish act. In fact, it’s the first step in taking care of yourself.

* Feelings are scary. Yes, this can be true. But remember your feelings are very wise, even the not-so-good ones. If you’re feeling angry, jealous, resentful, or unhappy, there are reasons why. If you need help exploring your feelings, talk to a friend, coach or someone gifted in helping people sort through their feelings, like a therapist. Every feeling has a message for you - every one.

How do you read your feelings?

Every time you’re faced with a decision, your feelings (or emotions) kick into gear. The next decision (the bigger the better) you have to make, try this:

* Stop and Notice. Stop for a moment and tune into the sensations you feel in your body.

* Feel. As you pay attention to your body sensations, has your breathing become shallow or are you breathing easily? Do you feel a tightening in your shoulders, neck and jaw, or do you feel relaxed? Do you feel a tightening in your chest, or does your chest feel relaxed and open?

* Ask and Name. Now ask, “What is this sensation (ex: what is my tight solar plexus) trying to tell me?” Then name the feeling. Is your tight solar plexus telling you that you’re nervous, scared, or afraid? Does the fear you feel tell you to say, “NO”, or is it a normal reaction to stretching your comfort zone? Does the relaxation you feel in your body tell you you’re on the right track? Or is it simply an expression of the boredom you feel that moment?

* Don’t judge. Don’t judge your feelings as “good or bad”. They are what they are. Every feeling you have has something to tell you. Every one.

What will you gain from honoring your feelings?

Think of your feelings as an ON/OFF switch. When you’re turned OFF to your feelings, your life will feel dimmer, perhaps even dark. When you’re turned ON to your feelings, your life will sparkle. In other words, your LIGHT will be on!

Enjoy and FEEL your life this year. Don’t let your feelings play second fiddle to other things in your life. Your feelings do matter. They are important. And they are very wise. Trust and follow your feelings and you’ll end 2006 FEELING GREAT!

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