Happy Birthday Emotion Works!

Emotion Works was 3 years old on 28th February. Here are some orange cog reflections by founder, Claire Murray…

Today is the 28th February 2016, and it does indeed feel like a happy day. Emotion Works is established and growing, and I finally feel satisfied with what I’ve achieved and reassured by the impact my work is having on children’s learning and wellbeing.

Happy, satisfied and reassured. These are three good words to describe how I’m feeling today. But for those of you who appreciate some emotional honesty within a success story, here’s a list of words that account for the emotional rollercoaster of a journey I’ve been on over the past 3 years…

Inspired… Passionate… Excited… Misconceived… Disappointed… Defeated… Determined… Motivated… Admired… Respected… Invincible… Impulsive… Patronised… Stupid… Misunderstood… Disillusioned… Pessimistic… Lonely… Fed up… Exhausted… Sensitive… Cautious… Anxious… Encouraged… Supported… Energised… Achieving… Brave… Strong… Inspired… Passionate… Excited… Happy… Satisfied… Reassured…

If you’re already familiar with the Emotion Works approach, each word can represent a little episode of emotional experience ready to unpack, with it’s triggers and associated body sensations and behaviours. The level of intensity is captured in many of the words, and when emotions have been strong and uncomfortable, then of course I’ve had to learn and practice regulatory strategies to help me through. A number of personal, social and contextual influences have had a significant bearing along the way, and when things have been particularly challenging I’ve been able to reflect on and personally attest to the importance of positive relationships, supportive communication, meaningful engagement and regulated stress levels for promoting progress and ensuring wellbeing – both for myself and for my organisation.

One very helpful blue cog strategy for me has been to tell the Emotion Works story using Banksy images, so here’s a quick visual montage to date…

Moving into year 4, there are definitely blue skies over Emotion Works : )

I’m looking forward with great enthusiasm and excited trepidation to the emotional journey ahead!

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