The Difference Between "I Feel" and "I Am"

Understanding the Power of Language in Journaling

Language shapes our thoughts, emotions, and ultimately, our reality. In journaling, the words we choose can have a profound impact on how we perceive and process our experiences. Today, we’ll explore the crucial difference between saying "I feel" and "I am," and how this distinction can influence your journaling practice and emotional well-being.

The Impact of Words

Words are powerful. They not only communicate our thoughts and emotions to others but also shape our internal dialogue. Understanding the difference between "I feel" and "I am" can help you:

• Clarify your emotions
• Maintain a healthy self-identity
• Enhance your emotional resilience

Words hold immense power, acting as the bridge between our inner world and the external reality we navigate. When we pause to recognise the nuances between "I feel" and "I am," we embark on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. By articulating our emotions with "I feel," we acknowledge their transient nature, allowing space for exploration and understanding. This simple shift in language fosters emotional clarity, enabling us to navigate life's ups and downs with greater ease and insight.

Moreover, distinguishing between "I feel" and "I am" is essential for maintaining a healthy self-identity. While our emotions may fluctuate, our core essence remains constant. By refraining from equating our identity with temporary feelings, we cultivate a sense of self-worth that is resilient to external circumstances. Embracing this distinction empowers us to weather life's storms with grace and self-assurance, anchoring ourselves in a deep-seated sense of authenticity and worthiness.

Let’s delve into how these two phrases affect your mindset and journaling practice.

Exploring "I Feel" vs. "I Am"

1. "I Feel" – Acknowledging Emotions

Using "I feel" statements allows you to acknowledge and express your emotions without letting them define you. This distinction is vital for emotional health and self-awareness.

• Temporary states: Emotions are temporary and ever-changing. Saying "I feel sad" recognizes that sadness is a current state, not a permanent condition.
• Emotional clarity: Using "I feel" helps you identify and articulate your emotions clearly, making it easier to understand and process them.
• Healthy expression: "I feel" statements encourage healthy emotional expression, which is essential for mental well-being.

Examples:

• "I feel overwhelmed by my workload today."
• "I feel excited about the new project."

PRO TIP

You don't always need to know why you feel a certain way, especially if your feelings are emotional and perhaps in lower vibration than you would want. Simply acknowledging them and letting them be without attributing a reason, or attaching a story, or blaming, can be extremely freeing. When you're journaling around this it can take the pressure off to keep writing the reasons why rather than focus on the feeling and letting it move through its natural flow.

2. "I Am" – Defining Identity

In contrast, "I am" statements are powerful declarations of identity. While they can be empowering, using "I am" to describe emotions can inadvertently internalize temporary feelings as aspects of your identity.

• Identity vs. emotion: Saying "I am sad" suggests that sadness is part of who you are, rather than a feeling you’re experiencing.
• Long-term impact: Consistently using "I am" to describe negative emotions can reinforce a negative self-image and hinder emotional resilience.
• Empowerment: Reserve "I am" for positive affirmations and core aspects of your identity, such as "I am capable" or "I am resilient."

Examples:

• "I am confident in my abilities."
• "I am a caring and empathetic person."

Getting Started: Practical Tips for Mindful Language in Journaling

To make the most of your journaling practice, it’s important to be mindful of your language. Here are some tips to help you use "I feel" and "I am" effectively:

1. Use "I Feel" for Emotions

When journaling about your emotions, start with "I feel." This helps you acknowledge your feelings without letting them define your identity.

• Identify emotions: Clearly name the emotion you’re experiencing. For example, "I feel anxious" or "I feel joyful."
• Reflection: Reflection is a useful exercise, especially if it's done without blame. This may help you identify as to when certain emotions rise on a regular basis and in what circumstances, which can help you break the pattern or at least work out why they keep happening.

2. Use "I Am" for Affirmations

Reserve "I am" for positive affirmations and statements about your core identity. This reinforces a positive self-image and empowers you.

• Positive affirmations: Use "I am" to affirm your strengths and qualities. For example, "I am strong" or "I am capable."
• Core identity: Reflect on who you are at your core. For example, "I am a lifelong learner" or "I am kind."

3. Reflect and Reframe

If you catch yourself using "I am" to describe negative emotions, take a moment to reflect and reframe your language.

• Reframe negative statements: Change "I am anxious" to "I feel anxious." This small shift can make a big difference in how you perceive your emotions.
• Positive self-talk: Use your journal to practice positive self-talk and reinforce a healthy self-identity.

4. Go Deeper with Your Thinking to Create Awareness

To change your reality, you must change your thinking. Your journal can be a powerful tool for uncovering limiting beliefs and reshaping them.

• Identify limiting beliefs: Instead of writing “I’m not consistent at...” or “I’m no good at...,” start paying attention to where these beliefs originate and how they affect your actions.
• Shift your mindset: Reflect on what needs to change in your thinking. If you want a different outcome, what thought needs to be altered?
• Recognize thought patterns: Ask yourself, “What did I create for myself?” For example, not being consistent at journaling might seem like a fact, but it's the result of a limiting belief. By identifying this, you can work to change it.

Top Insights and Reflections

1. Language Shapes Reality

The words you use in your journal can shape your perception of reality. Being mindful of your language helps you maintain a healthy perspective on your emotions and identity.

2. Emotions are Temporary

Remember that emotions are temporary states, not permanent aspects of your identity. Using "I feel" acknowledges this and allows for healthy emotional processing.

3. Empower Yourself

Use "I am" statements to empower yourself and reinforce your strengths and core qualities. This practice can boost your confidence and resilience.

My Top Three-Question FAQ

1. How can I be more mindful of my language in journaling?

Pay attention to how you describe your emotions and identity. Practice using "I feel" for emotions and "I am" for affirmations and core qualities. Regular reflection can help you become more aware of your language.

2. What if I find it hard to identify my emotions?

Start with broad categories (e.g., happy, sad, angry) and gradually narrow them down as you become more comfortable. Journaling prompts and emotion lists can also help you identify and articulate your feelings.

3. Can changing my language really make a difference?

Yes! The language you use shapes your thoughts and perceptions. By being mindful of your language, you can create a more positive and empowering mindset.

Harnessing the Power of Language in Journaling

Understanding the difference between "I feel" and "I am" is crucial for effective journaling and emotional well-being. Using "I feel" to acknowledge emotions helps you process them healthily, while reserving "I am" for affirmations reinforces a positive self-identity. By being mindful of your language, you can transform your journaling practice and enhance your personal growth.

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Have a wonderful day

Warmest regards,

Nikie Piper Journal Designer & Creator | Journaling Specialist & Expert

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