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Feelings Aren’t Facts

If there’s one thing that I’ve learned in life, it’s that feelings aren’t facts. It is a common saying in the addiction recovery community. Just because you feel a certain way about something doesn’t mean that it’s true, yet so many of us use our emotions as evidence to support our arguments. We’ll say things like “I just know” or “I feel in my gut” to back up our points, without realizing that those feelings aren’t actually based in reality. So today, I want to talk about why we should stop using our emotions as facts and start relying on actual evidence instead. Listen to what your brain is telling you, not just your heart. After all, your heart can be very misleading at times.

Feelings Are Unreliable And Biased

It’s interesting how often we hear people say “I feel like _____” as if their feelings are indisputable facts. feelings aren’t facts. They are just that – feelings. Just because you feel a certain way doesn’t make it true because feelings aren’t reliable. In fact, feelings are often based on our individual perspectives, biases, and beliefs – which may or may not be accurate – and can be skewed by our past experiences.

For example, if you believe that you’re not good enough, you’ll probably feel insecure and inadequate.

But just because you feel that way doesn’t make it true. Remember, feelings aren’t facts. They’re just feelings. So next time you find yourself saying “I feel like _____,” take a moment to question whether or not it’s actually true. You might be surprised at what you discover.

So when somebody says “I feel like you’re always judging me,” or “I feel like you’re never there for me,” it’s important to take their feelings with a grain of salt. It’s not that their feelings aren’t valid, but rather that they may not be accurate. After all, feelings are just feelings – they’re not facts.

You’re Entitled To Your Own Opinion

It’s often said that everyone is entitled to their own opinion. But what does that really mean? An opinion is simply a belief or viewpoint, often based on feelings rather than facts. So, in essence, what we’re saying when we advocate for someone’s right to their opinion is that they have a right to their feelings – even if those feelings are based on inaccurate information.

Of course, there’s nothing wrong with having strong feelings about something. But it’s important to remember that our opinions are not always facts. Just because we feel strongly about something doesn’t make it true. And when our opinions are based on false information, it can lead to problems.

The Earth Isn’t Flat

For example, let’s say you have a friend who is convinced that the Earth is flat. Their opinion is based on their feelings, not facts. And no matter how much evidence you show them to the contrary, they’re not going to change their opinion because it feels true to them. In this case, your friend’s opinion isn’t harmful to anyone. But if somebody else with the same opinion were in charge of making decisions about things like space exploration or navigation, it could have serious consequences.

So next time someone tells you that you’re entitled to your own opinion, remember that what they’re really saying is that you’re entitled to your own feelings – even if those feelings aren’t based on facts. And while there’s nothing wrong with having an opinion, it’s important to be aware of the difference between opinion and fact so that we can make sure our opinions are based on accurate information.

Just Because You Feel Something Doesn’t Mean It’s True

It’s a common saying that “just because you feel something doesn’t mean it’s true.” But what does that really mean? In short, it means that our emotions can sometimes get in the way of our ability to see things clearly. We may think we know something, but if our emotions are clouding our judgment, we may be wrong.

So how can we tell the difference between what we feel and what is actually true? One way is to ask ourselves if our feelings are based on evidence or whether they’re just gut feelings. If we can’t seem to find any evidence to support our feelings, then it’s probably just a feeling and not necessarily true.

Of course, this isn’t always black and white. There are gray areas where it can be difficult to tell the difference between feelings and facts. But in general, if we can slow down and take a step back from our emotions, it will be easier to see things more clearly and make better decisions.

Confirmation Bias

Humans are renowned for their ability to rationalize their feelings and convince themselves of things that aren’t actually true. This is known as confirmation bias, and it’s the reason why people tend to believe information that supports their beliefs and ignore evidence that contradicts them.

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2 of the most empowering discoveries are

-Thoughts aren't facts
-Emotions are fleeting

It enables you to respect & accept your thoughts & feelings while also being aware that they don't have to dictate how you act. When that happens, you'll begin making more deliberate choices

— Anthony Santana – NC,BCS,PT (@santananthony_) February 3, 2023

Don’t Let Your Feelings Control Your Life

Many people believe that they should always follow their heart and let their emotions guide their decision-making. However, this can often lead to impulsive decisions that may not be in your best interest. Instead of letting your feelings control your life, it’s important to learn how to manage them. This doesn’t mean repressing your emotions or bottling them up. Instead, it means being aware of what you’re feeling and why you’re feeling it. Once you understand your emotions, you can then make choices that are based on logic and reason, rather than impulse. When you let your feelings control your life, you may end up making choices that you regret. So, instead of following your heart, learn to listen to your head as well.

Make Informed Decisions

Making decisions can be hard. Whether we’re choosing what to eat for dinner or what career to pursue, we often find ourselves second-guessing our choices. And when it comes to important decisions, we may feel even more uncertain. Should we get married? Have a baby? Move to a new city? In times of doubt, we may turn to our friends and family for advice. But when it comes to making big decisions, it’s important to rely on evidence and reason, not our feelings. After all, our friends and family may not have all the information we need to make a fully informed decision. They may also be biased in their advice. We need to look at the facts and weigh the pros and cons carefully before making any major decisions. Otherwise, we may end up regretting our choices later on.

Recognize That Your Feelings Aren’t Always Right

As humans, we like to think that we are rational beings who make decisions based on logic and reason. However, the reality is that our emotions often play a much bigger role in our lives than we realize. In fact, studies have shown that our emotions can actually distort our perception of reality, causing us to see things that aren’t really there. For example, when we’re feeling happy, we’re more likely to see other people as happy as well. On the other hand, when we’re feeling angry or threatened, we’re more likely to see other people as angry or aggressive. This phenomenon is known as emotional contagion, and it can have a powerful effect on our interactions with others.

When I was in the stages of grief after my late husband, Walter, died, I was angry at the world for taking such an incredible, giving human being from the people who benefitted from him being here. I was hurt and exhausted after caring for him continuously. I couldn’t trust my emotions for the life of me. If you need a little help, here is How to Deal With Grief.

By recognizing that our feelings aren’t always accurate, we can become more open-minded and less judgmental of others. We can also be more forgiving of their mistakes and more understanding of their point of view. In short, by recognizing the power of our emotions, we can become better people.

 

Managing Our Emotions

We all know what it’s like to feel angry, frustrated, or even downright scared. And in the moment, it can be tough to know how to deal with these intense emotions. If we’re not careful, they can lead to disruptive or even destructive behavior. But the good news is that there are steps we can take to manage our emotions in a more constructive way. Here are a few tips:

• Acknowledge your feelings. It’s important to recognize and accept your emotions, rather than trying to bottle them up or push them away. Doing so will help you better understand and cope with them.
• Identify your triggers. What are the situations or circumstances that tend to bring on difficult emotions? Once you know what they are, you can begin to avoid or prepare for them.
• Find healthy outlets. When you’re feeling overwhelmed by emotions, it helps to find an outlet for them. This could be anything from talking to a friend or family member to writing in a journal or going for a run. The important thing is that you find a way to release the emotional energy in a positive way.

By following these tips, you can learn to deal with difficult emotions in a more constructive way. As a result, you’ll feel better equipped to handle whatever life throws at you. If you are looking for more information, here is How to Stop Negative Thinking: A Perfectionist’s Guide.

You Are Not Alone

It’s natural to feel things deeply. You’re not alone in this. In fact, some research suggests that people who are highly sensitive or empathic are more prone to experiencing intense feelings. And while it can be tempting to try to numb these feelings or push them away, it’s important to remember that they are a part of who you are. bottling up your emotions can lead to unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as addiction, alcoholism, gambling, or crime. So the next time you’re feeling overwhelmed, try to sit with your emotions and understand them. What are they trying to tell you? What do you need in this moment? This doesn’t mean that you have to act on every feeling you have, but simply acknowledging and accepting them can be incredibly empowering.

It’s human nature to have feelings and emotions. We experience a range of positive and negative emotions every day. However, it’s important to recognize that our feelings aren’t facts. We may feel jealous of a friend’s success, but in reality, they have worked hard for what they have accomplished. We may feel anger towards someone who has wronged us, but in reality, they may be going through a tough time themselves. If we can recognize that our feelings aren’t always right, we can become more open-minded and less judgmental of others. We can understand that everyone is fighting their own battle and that we don’t always know the full story. As a result, we can be more compassionate and forgiving when it comes to those around us.

Practice Self-Care

Feeling strong emotions is normal after going through something difficult, whether it’s a major life event or just a string of bad luck. And sometimes, it can be hard to cope with those emotions in a healthy way. That’s where self-care comes in. One great way to start is by working on stopping negative thinking and quashing your inner critic. Read more about how to do this HERE. 

By taking care of yourself and doing things that make you happy, you can help yourself navigate your emotions and figure out how valid they are. Additionally, self-care can help reduce stress and anxiety, both of which can make it difficult to deal with strong emotions. So if you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t be afraid to take some time for yourself. Relax in a bath, take a nature walk, read your favorite book – do whatever makes you happy. And remember, your emotions are valid – no matter what anyone says, but as difficult as it may be to separate things, feelings aren’t facts. I want you to work on this like I did because it made a huge difference in regard to my mental health. 

It will become easier to see where facts start and feelings end with time. By working on becoming aware of all this going on in your head, you’ll start to see just how much hunger tiredness, irritability, and anger can affect what you think it’s true.

When There May Be A Problem

It can be extremely difficult to deal with feeling like you are constantly under attack by the people that you are close to. If it feels like your friendships are impossible to hold on to, and you are frequently fighting with your best friend, it may be time to take a step back and assess the situation. It may be that the accusations being made are not accurate, and that the thoughts you are having are based on insecurity or mistrust. In these cases, it is important to try to communicate with your friend and see if there is a way to resolve the issues between you. However, if the situation is proving too difficult or toxic, it may be necessary to distance yourself from the friendship for a while, or even permanently.

Caring for your own well-being should always be a priority. If you are in any type of codependent relationship, the lines can get blurred. Not sure if this is you? Then read What is a Codependent Relationship to get better informed, so you know what’s what.

Trust is an essential part of any relationship, whether it’s with a family member, friend, or romantic partner. Without trust, it’s difficult to feel safe and secure. However, it’s important to distinguish between trust and feelings.

Trust Plays a Huge Part of Feelings vs. Facts

Trust is based on actual facts and evidence, while feelings are based on emotions and personal experiences. While it’s important to listen to your gut instinct, you should also be careful not to let your feelings blind you to the truth. If you suspect that someone has betrayed your trust, it’s important to talk to them about it. Open communication can help to repair damage and rebuild trust. However, if there is no resolution, it may be necessary to end the relationship. Betrayal can be difficult to overcome, but it’s important to remember that you deserve to be treated with respect and trust.

If you find that your feelings are becoming problematic, or that you are constantly fighting with your friends, it may be time to seek help. It can be difficult to deal with strong emotions, and even more difficult to manage when they are directed at people we care about.

Medical Problems Can Alter Feelings

There may be a medical problem that you are unaware of. I have bipolar disorder and my emotions can swing from one end to the other and back again many times a day, sometimes. It is difficult to deal with, especially if you don’t know how. Read my article The Chains of Bipolar Disorder for more information on bipolar disorder, If you find yourself in this situation, there are a few things you can do. 

Again…try to talk to the person you’re having problems with. It may be helpful to express your feelings and explain what is going on for you. If this isn’t possible, or if the situation doesn’t improve, it’s important to seek professional help. A therapist can provide support and guidance as you learn to deal with your emotions in a healthy way. If you’re struggling, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. It can make a big difference in your life.

How To Deal With The Past

It is so easy to dwell on the past. We all have a past that includes people, experiences, and emotions that have shaped who we are today. I am a survivor of domestic violence and there are times when my PTSD and emotions get the best of me – so I do understand! You can read My Story here. From experience and trial and error, I have learned that nothing is gained by the “what ifs” and how things could have been done differently. We cannot change the past. Focus on the future and the things you can change. As a matter of fact, this is an integral part of programs like NA. As a recovering addict, it took me years to even understand what they meant by the phrase “grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change. the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference”.

After a situation has been resolved, it is important to learn how to leave the past in the past in order to move on. By repeatedly going over old things, you are not giving yourself the credit of being able to move on and grow from the experience. It can be difficult to forget what has happened, but holding onto the hurt will only make it harder to manage current relationships. Learning how to forgive yourself and others is an important step in letting go of the past. When you are able to do this, you will find that your current relationships are much more enjoyable and rewarding.

The past is in the past for a reason. Holding onto old grudges and resentments will prevent you from moving forward. It is not fair to yourself or to the other person to keep rehashing old arguments or issues. Instead, try to focus on the present and the future. By letting go of the past, you can open yourself up to new possibilities and experiences. Choose to live in the present and focus on what is happening right now. You deserve to be happy and to have healthy relationships. Don’t let your past stand in your way.

Get The Tools Required To Fix The Problem

When bad things happen, it’s natural to feel upset. But sometimes, the distress doesn’t go away on its own. If you find yourself constantly dwelling on negative thoughts and reliving painful memories, it may be time to seek professional help, especially if you find yourself struggling to manage your emotions. A therapist or counselor can provide you with the tools you need to work through your feelings and support and guide you through your feelings. They can also teach you healthy coping strategies for dealing with tough times, so you can start making healthy decisions.

Due to COVID-19, a shadow pandemic of domestic violence (click the link to read about it) occurred because of the stay-at-home orders, so millions were left without help, so now, many more options for therapy – even group therapy – which is much cheaper, have popped up online in order to address this issue and the fact that many people couldn’t get to counseling or doctor appointments. These websites for the most part are an awesome way to get the help you need. 

Poisoning your true feelings can lead to a lot of problems down the road, so getting help early is key. Remember, you can’t fix something if you don’t have the proper tools. So if you’re feeling lost, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. If you’re not sure where to turn, ask your doctor for a referral. Don’t suffer in silence – reach out for help when you need it. It could be the best decision you ever make.

Online-Therapy.Com

I wanted to take a moment to tell you about a great resource I’ve been working with lately.

It’s called Online-therapy.com – and it’s an online platform that offers a variety of different therapy options. You can choose to participate in group therapy, courses, or one-on-one sessions with a therapist, and you have 24/7 access to your therapist through text. 

There are also workbooks available to help you work through specific modules. I love it because it’s so convenient and accessible, and I’ve found it to be really helpful. Plus, I was able to snag you 20% off for being my readers. This is my thank you to you and showing you how much you mean to me. I believe that everyone deserves access to quality mental health care, and this is one way that I can help make that a reality. I believe in what they stand for and the community of assistance they are building. So please, take advantage of this offer and give Online-therapy a chance. 

Here’s To New Beginnings!

In conclusion, remember that you are entitled to your opinions and feelings. It is important to recognize the difference between facts and emotions, as our thoughts can sometimes be irrational. Use logic when determining the truth in any situation and don’t forget that you are not alone. Let go of the past and focus on the present – it’s never too late to start fresh and make positive changes. If things get overwhelming, reach out for help – talking about your struggles does not make you weak. I am here for you every step of the way!  With courage, compassion, and support from others, we can break free from our chains and create a better future for ourselves. Here’s to new beginnings!

Answer: Therapy can help you to process your past experiences and gain insight into why you are holding on to them. A therapist can also provide tools and techniques that will enable you to move forward in a healthier way while helping you build healthy coping mechanisms for future struggles.

FAQ’s

Please leave any questions or comments below so that I can address any issues or write more on things that you want to hear about, even if it isn’t related to this article in particular. I am an RN, so I have seen and heard it all, so just say it. I’ll keep your juicy secret while talking about the topic. Is there something you are dying to read about? Drop it in the comments below! I see and answer all comments personally, so yes, I will see them. 

Want more? Read Songs About Social Anxiety: The Best Music for Mental Health because those are the best kind of songs and How to Break Mental Barriers: 15 Dr. Seuss Inspirations because what’s better than Dr. Seuss?

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