6 Emotions That Shape Us More Than We Realize
✍🏻 By Herb Silverman |
Reading time: ~2 minutes
🏷️
Communication,
Learning,
Mindset,
Progress,
Reflection,
Resilience,
Thinking
A long time ago, I cannot recall exactly where or when, I bought a picture that continues to bring me joy. The artist is Elizabeth Horowitz, and the title is Home Remedies IV.
What struck me most was how closely the jars mirrored emotions in my own life. This reflection reminded me that emotions are not just felt in the moment, but understood over time—a reminder that
understanding only sticks when meaning moves with our words, not after them.
Stunning Realization
What captured my attention was how closely the jars mirrored emotions in my own life. Here is what each represents to me:
Goodness
(A medium jar, ringed with stars and halos)
Being honest and upfront, I try to help others whenever I can.
Being honest and upfront, I try to help others whenever I can.
Peace and Quiet
(The smallest jar, a white sailboat drifting with the wind)
I can be deeply introspective, and moments of calm feel serene. Yet because it is the smallest jar, that tranquility is often fleeting.
I can be deeply introspective, and moments of calm feel serene. Yet because it is the smallest jar, that tranquility is often fleeting.
Luck
(A medium jar, covered with four-leaf clovers)
I try not to overstate it, but I feel fortunate—especially after my stroke—that life has given me another chance.
I try not to overstate it, but I feel fortunate—especially after my stroke—that life has given me another chance.
Second Chance
(A medium jar, with colorful number twos in different fonts)
This is probably my favorite. To me, it symbolizes endless opportunities: what I hoped to achieve, what I am doing now, and what I can still pursue.
This is probably my favorite. To me, it symbolizes endless opportunities: what I hoped to achieve, what I am doing now, and what I can still pursue.
Courage
(A large jar, bearing a medal of honor)
Even when the odds are against me, courage is what drives me forward—in business, in life, and in recovery.
Even when the odds are against me, courage is what drives me forward—in business, in life, and in recovery.
True Grit
(The largest jar, filled with fine brown wheat)
Each day calls for consistency, persistence, and yes, a touch of stubbornness.
Each day calls for consistency, persistence, and yes, a touch of stubbornness.
Truth of Emotions
At times, this picture draws me in, and waves of reflection follow. That may be the enduring truth of emotions: they are never limited to when they are felt, but continue to echo—reminding and inspiring us across time.
Which emotion in your life has had the greatest influence on who you are today—and why?
Discover more: Emotions often reveal themselves through bond and reflection »
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Herb Silverman
Herb turns optimism into action by exploring how small ideas, shared stories, and simple connections can create meaningful change. Learn more about Herb »
Herb turns optimism into action by exploring how small ideas, shared stories, and simple connections can create meaningful change. Learn more about Herb »
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