Is what you are feeling yours to feel?

There are many times I notice that I’m feeling something that is not mine.

It is an emotion that someone I interacted with had. A feeling I “picked up” during the conversation.

And this does not need to be an in person interaction for this to happen. Even during a two minute phone call I can start to feel the way the other person is feeling. 

When this happens, I get confused, adding to any negative emotions I’ve picked up during the interaction.

These days I’m taking extra care to just feel my emotions and let everyone else feel their own.

It helps when I start my days slowly and quietly with time to myself.

By noticing my emotional state before interacting with others, I know what’s mine.

To separate your emotions from those you have picked up from others, ask yourself: Is what I’m feeling truly mine?