How are you feeling today?
What if our feelings were our friends? If we understood their likes, dislikes, and why they visit us when they do.
Feelings play a meaningful role in every child’s life and in their health, which is why we are making emotional health a real part of our day-to-day care and conversations.
Our feeling characters represent the wide spectrum of emotions we can feel. They are here to inspire connections for a healthier mind and empower children, teens, families, and caregivers to talk about their well-being.
Here, with acceptance and curiosity, we welcome all feelings in a safe space so you can share your emotions in a valuable way.
So, let’s get started and meet our feeling friends.
I love being outside. Sitting under a tree, lying in the grass looking up at the sky, or rolling around in the snow. And I usually show up with a smile that’s ready to share.
When I visit, the room will feel like sunshine and fresh like after a rainstorm. With me it’s easy to breathe, and I hope you feel relaxed and at peace. If you want me to stay longer, I never mind, you just have to invite me in.
What makes you smile?
I am often found hiding under the bed. It feels like a safe space for me. It’s also my quiet space where I won’t miss any warning sounds. I love to read about other worlds and mystical lands. Reading about these imaginary places helps me feel strong and brave.
When I visit, it can sometimes feel like there is no air in the room. I am not particularly large, but I’ve been told that I can stand in the way—making it hard for you to move around. However, if you ask me to step aside, it will be much easier for you to see the path ahead.
How do you feel brave when I am near?
I don’t like anything yucky, stinky, creepy, or boring, and I often judge quickly. But this can help me notice small changes or big dangers.
When I visit, your nose might scrunch as if you’re smelling something sour in the air. You might feel annoyed or like you want to reject what’s in front of you. With me, it’s best to understand why I’ve shown up and then let me be alone.
When has something made you cringe?
I love making a big entrance. I want everyone to know when I have arrived. I enjoy being on the move, quickly going from one place to the next and never staying long.
When I visit, it’s always uninvited, and you will likely forget to say hello. Your mouth might drop, your eyes might widen, and you may feel like the ground is unstable beneath your feet. Just remember, I will never have a full story to share.
When did you feel this unexpected change in your day?
I often look down because sometimes the world feels too bright for me to look up. At night, I will whisper my worries and thoughts into a pillow, hoping tomorrow they won’t return.
When I visit, it might be for you or for someone or something else. It helps to talk to me, and it helps to talk to others about me. It reminds me that I am never alone. I may not always leave when you ask, but when you let others know that I am near, I won’t feel so lonely.
Who helps you feel supported?
I like being with my friends and family, enjoying the company of others, and the noise of connection. I also like being alone with only the sound of my breath filling the space around me.
When I visit, my presence should be calming and kind. You might feel me from someone else, but I always live inside you first. With me, I hope you feel strong and supported, and when I hold your hand, your world should feel a little bit brighter.
When do you feel calm and strong?
I love finding the rainbow after the rain. I like to promise that we will find it together, but sometimes I can promise too much.
When I visit, you can always count on me to bring a flashlight to help you see in the dark and a warm blanket to wrap around your shoulders. You may not be able to trust everything I say, but with me, we can dream.
What dreams do you have?
I can be noisy and loud or quiet and stubborn. Either way, I am often passionate and protective. Sometimes, I want to find someone or something to blame, hoping it will help with my feelings. But it never does.
When I visit, you might feel a heat in your belly that rises to your face, or a tight hug you never wanted. But if you take a slow, deep breath, my grip doesn’t feel quite so tight.
What do you do to control my next step?
