Anticipated/Anticipation:
Noun. A feeling that something is about to happen. This typically refers to something positive for which an individual has been waiting.
Attune:
Verb. To recognize and respond to another person’s emotional needs and moods. When we empathetically attune to another individual, we gently tune into, sense, and resonate with their experience allowing us to respond accordingly.
Boundaries:
Noun. The limits and rules that individuals set for themselves regarding how they wish to be treated by others. They can include physical space, physical touch, and ways in which one prefers to be spoken. These are subject to change over time the more an individual defines their preferences.
Co-regulation:
Verb. The ability to regulate emotions and behaviors, manage stress (internal or external), and return to a calm state, with the support and direction of a connecting person. This process is mostly non-verbal and involves the synchronization of both individual’s nervous systems.
Examples include physical touch that feels safe to the individual, cuddling, hand holding, speaking in a calm tone, using phrases of support, modeling calm behavior, and using deep breathing skills.
Dismay:
Noun. A feeling of unhappiness and disappointment.
Emotional Intelligence:
Noun. The capacity to be aware of, control, and express one’s emotions. To handle interpersonal relationships judiciously and empathetically.
Ecstatic:
Adjective. Extremely happy.
Emotional Regulation:
Verb. The process of managing emotions to maintain balance and respond appropriately to challenges.
Empathy:
Noun. The ability to share someone else’s feelings by imagining what it would be like to be in that person’s situation.
Grounded (emotionally):
Adjective. A sense of emotional stability, balance, and resiliency. Being able to manage your feelings effectively, staying calm and composed, under immense stress or pressure.
Mindfulness:
Noun. The practice of being aware of your mind, body, and feelings in the present moment. Thought to bring a feeling of calm.
Overwhelm/Overwhelming/
Overwhelmed:
Adjective and verb. To be overcome in mind and feeling. Consistent with feeling emotionally flooded.
Positive Affirmations:
Noun phrase, with “positive” being an adjective. Positive statements that people repeat to themselves to challenge negative thoughts and improve their self-esteem. They can be used to motivate, encourage positive changes, and boost confidence.
Resiliency:
Noun. The capacity to withstand or recover quickly from difficulties; toughness; emotional grit.
Self-confidence:
Noun. A feeling of trust in one’s abilities, qualities, and judgment.
Self-reliance:
Noun. Reliance on own’s own powers and resources rather than those of others.
Self-trust:
Noun. Great faith in oneself or one’s abilities; self-confidence.
Sense-of-self:
Noun phrase. How a person perceives themselves, including their traits, value, and purpose.
Sensitive/Sensitivity:
Adjective. Understanding what people need. Being helpful and kind to them.
Tenacity:
Noun. Holding tightly to something or keeping an opinion in a determined way.
Unconditional Love:
Noun. A type of love that is free and without expectations and is often described as having no boundaries or restrictions. It is a love that is offered without regard for what someone does in return and is instead based on a desire for their happiness.
Validation:
Noun. Recognition or affirmation that a person and/or their opinions are valid or worthwhile.