Many people do not realize the power of positive emotions. Positive emotions can not only help us grow as people, but they can also improve the quality of our relationships and increase our sense of emotional well-being, according to Dr. Vijai Sharma of Mind Publications. If you are having trouble recognizing the positive emotions you experience on a daily basis or need some help to figure out which new positive emotions to bring about in your life, viewing a list of positive emotions may help.
Joy
Joy is feeling great delight, happiness or even elation. It may seem that everything is happening exactly as it should be. Joy can be brought about by participating in your favorite activities, experiencing a stroke of good luck, achieving your goals or doing something that makes someone else happy.
Gratitude
Gratitude is being truly thankful or grateful for something. When you feel true gratitude, you often experience the urge to give of yourself because you feel so blessed by all that you have. Even when times are tough, you can find some reason to be thankful.
Serenity
Serenity is feeling a deep sense of peace or contentment about what you are experiencing. When you are serene, you are living in the moment, without any worries or fear about the future or regrets about the past. Being quiet or still in nature, taking a long walk, meditating or practicing yoga, going on vacation or simply relaxing with your favorite book can all bring about feelings of serenity.
Interest
Interest is a feeling of being curious or drawn to something. Being interested in something captures your attention, invigorates you and allows you to unleash your creativity and talent. Pursuing your favorite hobbies or pastimes and consistently being on the lookout for new activities that you might enjoy are a couple ways to bring about the feeling of interest.
Hope
Hope is a feeling that everything will turn out for the best or the belief that you can have whatever you desire. Hope can motivate you to change things around and may inspire you to reach your dreams. Keep the feeling of hope alive by being optimistic and positive, no matter how dire your circumstances.
Pride
Pride is when you experience a deep sense of satisfaction or pleasure because of something you have done or created. Setting achievable goals and working to reach those goals can make you feel proud of yourself and your accomplishments.
Amusement
Amusement means you're pleasantly entertained by the events around you. Amusement may come in the form of an unexpected pleasant surprise or a funny situation, and it almost always changes your mood in a positive way. Playing with children, engaging in lighthearted teasing with your significant other, watching comedies or reading funny books are just a few ways to bring about amusement.
Inspiration
Inspiration creates a deep desire to do something positive or to make a positive change. Listening to true-life stories of people who survived a great ordeal, or watching or talking to people who are doing something to make the world a better place can bring about feelings of inspiration.
Awe
Awe is an overwhelming feeling of reverence, amazement or admiration for something. It oftentimes reminds you to think of things bigger than yourself or your current situation. Being in the presence of great natural beauty, such as a mountain, lake, ocean, canyon or even a storm, can bring about feelings of awe.
Love
Whether love is romantic, familial or just a deep sense of fondness or affection for someone or something, all of these definitions share a profoundly affectionate compassion. To bring about more feelings of love into your life, try to see the good in people, be kind and considerate toward others and allow yourself to be open to receiving kindness and affection in return.
