“You can't go back and change the beginning,
but you can start where you are and change the ending.”
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-C.S. Lewis
Feelings Wheel
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Ever feel like “fine” just doesn’t capture what’s going on inside? The feelings wheel is your shortcut from vague moods to pinpointing exactly what’s happening under the surface. Originally crafted for therapy sessions, this vibrant tool nudges you beyond a general “I’m OK” into the rich landscape of real emotion.
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What Is the Feelings Wheel?
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Imagine a colorful circle divided into layers of emotions—from broad categories like joy and anger to nuanced offshoots such as serenity, envy, or frustration. By tracing your mood through concentric rings, you learn to name what you’re experiencing, build emotional vocabulary, and understand how one feeling shades into another.
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How a Feelings Wheel Transforms Your Day
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Emotional Awareness Discover the difference between being sad, disappointed, or nostalgic. Naming that whisper of emotion is the first step in honoring and addressing it.
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Improved Communication Instead of “I’m fine,” you might say, “I’m feeling anxious about tomorrow’s meeting.” Clearer language fosters deeper connections and cuts down on misunderstandings.
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Emotional Regulation Catch those feelings early. Spotting “irritation” before it swells into anger gives you the power to breathe, reflect, and respond rather than react.
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Educational Tool In classrooms and at home, children learn that “confusion” or “embarrassment” are valid feelings. Growing an emotional vocabulary builds empathy and resilience.
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Therapeutic Use Therapists guide clients from “I don’t know how I feel” to “I feel overwhelmed, hopeful, or curious,” opening doors to meaningful self-exploration and growth.
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Conflict Resolution Pinpointing hurt, fear, or resentment beneath a dispute helps everyone see what really matters—and move toward genuine understanding.
- Workplace Wellbeing Leaders and teams who recognize stress, gratitude, or creative spark cultivate an environment where innovation and trust can flourish.

Willcox, G. (1982). The Feeling Wheel. Transactional Analysis Journal, 12(4), 274–276.