When it comes to dealing with feelings... by Lynett

When it comes to dealing with feelings... by Lynett - October 2020 Scholarship Essay

The year 2020 has certainly been an interesting one. Many things have happened in our country, and I am questioning, probably just like many others, my mental health, and feelings. I received a new book; a friend sent it to me, well she sent it to my son. He is a toddler and as he continues developing mentally and physically, this book helps with emotional development. The book "IN MY HEART: A Book of Feelings" by Jo Witek and illustrated by Christine Roussey, is the best book I have read this year. Trust me, I have read many books in 2020, I read to my son every day.
Since the book was written for children, the illustrations are colorful. Every page has a different shape and discusses many feelings. So, why am I writing about a children’s book? It was simple. In 2020, there are many changes and the one affecting the nation is COVID-19. Stay at home orders were issued, people were laid off, furloughed, working from home, or were infected with the coronavirus. That is only naming a few, the list goes on. I chose this book because the stay at home orders and working from home hit hard with my mental health and feelings. Being told that it is best to stay home unless shopping for essentials and working from home with a toddler, I was overwhelmed by feelings. I found myself unable to express my feelings, keeping them inside, and noticing how my mood was affected by them. I also knew my son could see these changes, and I should be teaching him how to manage and express his feelings, not bottling them up. In a way, the book has been beneficial for both of us. The book describes how each feeling feels; for example, if you are happy then you feel on top of the world, grinning and having a good time. When you are mad, you are angry, frustrated, and want to yell. Each page depicts a picture that represents the emotion with a heart always in the middle. When I’m feeling any emotion, I talk to my son about how I’m feeling and what it looks like for me. Then, I allow him to tell me how his heart is feeling, and I learn how I can support him.
I have learned that being at home more has created a feeling of isolation. I am experiencing more emotions since I have been home than when I was able to roam freely doing whatever I desired. Being isolated from family and friends, as a precaution to keep me and loved one’s safe, has taken a toll on me. After reading “A Book of Feelings”, I have learned I can express myself in ways that I did not realize I needed. Simultaneously, I am guiding my son on how to manage and express his feelings. Not only am I aiding him with his emotional development, but I’ve also been nurturing mine.