Joy and Sadness

Positively Real Podcast

For our second episode on emotions, we are focusing on the intricate relationship between joy and sadness. If you missed the first episode of the month, I recommend listening to that first.

Emotions are a fundamental part of the human experience, and it’s important to give space to all of your feelings. Today I want to talk about joy and sadness, which are more connected than you may think, especially because you can’t appreciate joy without experiencing sadness.

Joy:

• Joy and gratitude are deeply connected.
• Joy is an intense emotion that can appear unexpectedly.
• It can be fleeting but is often linked to connections with others, nature, or a higher spirit.
• Joy makes us feel vulnerable as it opens us up to the possibility of loss.
• It enriches our emotional life, bringing fulfillment, meaning, and a deep appreciation of life.

Cultivating More Joy:

• Practice gratitude journaling.
• Share your joy with others through connection.
• Engage in daily mindfulness practices.

Sadness:

• Sadness is an emotional response to situations that create feelings of disappointment, loss, or helplessness.
• It is a common and normal emotion to feel, that is usually temporary.
• Often triggered by minor events but can also be caused by major events.

Dealing with Sadness:

• Have someone sit with you and witness the feeling.
• Move your body more slowly.
• Connect with yourself.

Practical Exercises to Embrace All Emotions:

• Give yourself space to process and feel your emotions.
• Allow your emotions to move through you.
• Journal about your emotions and ask what they are trying to tell you.
• Talk to someone; don't be alone with your emotions.

Resources mentioned in this episode:
Brene Brown’s book Atlas of the Heart
HBO Special of Atlas of the Heart
Children’s book: The Grand Hotel of Feelings
The How We Feel app

Connect with Brittny:
Instagram: @brittnyking_
Website: www.brittnyking.com
Email: [e-mail]