Checking In with Ourselves: Why Self-Awareness Matters

Life can move fast, and before we know it, we’re running on autopilot. At WiCRC, we’re all about growth—both professionally and personally—and one of the best ways to keep evolving is by checking in with ourselves regularly. How are we really feeling, and how are those feelings affecting our decisions?

Introducing the Feelings Wheel

I recently found the Feelings Wheel online, and it’s a simple but powerful tool for self-awareness. We don’t know the creators personally, but they’ve kindly made it available for free, and it’s too good not to share.

The wheel helps break down emotions into more specific categories. Instead of just feeling “upset” or “stressed,” you might realize you’re actually “anxious” or “overwhelmed.” Knowing the exact feeling can help you understand what’s really going on and what you might need to do next.

How to Use It

1. Pause for a Moment – Take a second to breathe and ask yourself, “How am I feeling right now?”

2. Check the Wheel – Find your feeling on the wheel and see if there’s a more specific word that resonates.

3. Reflect – Once you’ve pinpointed it, think about what’s triggering the feeling and how it’s affecting your day.

Using this tool can help you not only understand yourself better but also handle situations with more clarity—whether it’s a tough conversation with a client or just getting through a hectic day.

Why It’s Worth a Try

We’re all about building emotional awareness and resilience. Tools like the Feelings Wheel help with that in a really simple way. It’s a small step toward becoming more mindful of what’s going on inside, which ultimately helps us grow.

If you’re curious, check out the Feelings Wheel and see what comes up for you. You might be surprised by how helpful it is to put a name to what you’re feeling.