Autumn: Today we're diving into "Permission to Feel" by Marc Brackett, a book revealing why understanding our emotions might be the most essential skill we're never taught, yet crucial for thriving. Autumn: The problem? Many of us walk around emotionally blind, especially busy professionals under pressure to just "keep it together." We suppress feelings at work, maybe even at home, thinking it's strength. But ignoring emotions leads to stress, burnout, and disconnection. Think about bottling up frustration until you snap at a colleague, or struggling to explain why you're upset in a relationship. This isn't just uncomfortable; it fogs our judgment, impacting decisions and performance because we lack vital emotional information. Autumn: The fix starts with giving yourself permission to feel. Emotions aren't noise; they're essential data. Brackett offers the RULER framework. It begins with Recognizing emotions – tuning into physical signs like a racing heart or tense shoulders, in ourselves and others. Then comes Understanding the why behind the feeling. Is that irritation really about the task, or feeling undervalued? Knowing the cause helps address the root issue. A surprisingly powerful step is Labeling. Simply naming an emotion accurately – like 'disappointed' instead of just 'bad' – actually helps calm your brain. The more precise your words, the better you process the feeling. From there, we learn to Express feelings appropriately for the situation – finding that balance between stuffing them down and oversharing. Finally, Regulate means managing emotions effectively, not shutting them off. A key tool is the "Meta-Moment." When triggered, instead of reacting instantly, you pause. Breathe. Visualize your "best self" – calm, wise, collected. Then choose how to respond. It creates space between feeling and action. Autumn: So here’s your takeaway: Try the Meta-Moment today. Next time you feel that flash of frustration – maybe reading a difficult email or during a tense conversation – just pause. Take one deep breath. Ask yourself, "What would my best self do right now?" It's a small step towards becoming more intelligent about your emotions. Until next time, remember the feelings you ignore might hold the very wisdom you need.