Where do emotions come from? Do we have to feel happy or sad or angry just because of the stuff that is going on around us?

NO! Otherwise, why is it that different people seem to respond differently to the same situation?

It's because of what you are telling yourself. It's not just crazy people that talk to themselves. We all do. Constantly. It's just that crazy people do it outloud .

Take a moment to consider what you were thinking last time you got angry. It can be hard to catch these thoughts at first, but it gets easier. Writing them down can help. Now read the list of what you were thinking. Is it surprising you were feeling angry?

What would happen if you took a different perspective and thought about it differently. Still acknowledging that frustrating stuff that's going on, but looking to include the big picture, and making sure you are not blowing things out of proportion. How does that change your feelings?

This picture of a tree - just a beautiful hand drawing at this stage (inspired by Richard Cooks lecture during my training) - is a useful visual to understand more about how we come to think, feel, and act the way we do.

Fruit = Actions
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Leaves = Feelings
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Branches = Thoughts
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Trunk = Life Rules and Assumptions
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Dirt = Needs
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Roots = Core Beliefs (Belonging, Security, Love, Acceptance)
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Watering Can = Experiences that shape our needs and core beliefs.