Well-being is a wonderful state of nature, but what is it?  There are many aspects of well-being, but of interest now are the emotions that broadly describe it.

Positive psychology researchers, particularly Barbara Frederickson, identified and summarized the ten most common positive emotions which embrace and enhance well-being.  Below are short definitions of these positive emotions in ranked order of frequency:

Love: All the positive emotions below when they stir the heart to engage and share with others in constructive relationships.

Joy: Feeling bright and light.  Colours seem more vivid.  There’s a spring in your step.  You feel playful.

Gratitude: Appreciating something that has come our way as a gift to be treasured.  It opens your heart and carries the urge to give back – to do something in return.

Serenity (savouring):  Low key, personal and private joy; savouring the moment; feeling that things are so right and comfortable.  Perhaps seeking ways to integrate this moment into your life more fully and often. Privately reflect on your prized present moment.

Interest:  Feeling open and alive; your horizons are expanding with new possibilities.  A desire to explore, to take in new ideas and learn more.

Hope:  A belief or yearning that things can change and be better in the future, especially when the present moment is uncertain or challenged. Feeling motivated to turn things around to benefit yourself and others.

Pride:  A managed and modest feeling of achievement, taking “blame” or ownership for something good or going right with your present situation.

Amusement: Something unexpected but non-threatening happens that simply makes you laugh, usually in a social context.

Inspiration: Feeling uplifted, seeing better possibilities than usual, a desire to want to express and do what is good.

Awe:  Feeling overwhelmed by greatness, experiencing goodness and amazement on a grand scale.

Your well-being challenge is to observe, nurture and multiply these ten emotions in ways that are meaningful and real.  What I do is regularly repeat them to myself and see when and how many times these emotions were present recently Or take one or two of your favourites and noted their frequency.

This emotional inventory taking naturally and immediately improves my spirits and positivity and renews my focus on being in a state of wellness.  These ten emotions are powerful tools for well-being!! 

You might want to memorize them (I use the system that 6 start with consonants, 4 with vowels).

Source and recommend further reading:  Positivity by Barbara Frederickson

Reflection Source: www.Smallercup.org

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