--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: We should start questioning the…" description: "\"“We should start questioning the definitions we assign to our emotions. Just because other people have assigned a certain name to an emotion doesn't ne..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/01a/dr-jacinta-mpalyenkana-ph-d-mb_emotional-intelligen_we-should-start-questioning-the-definiti_966929.jpg" --- # We should start questioning the definitions we assign to… ![“We should start questioning the definitions we assign to our emotions. Just because other people have assigned a certain name to an emotion doesn't necessarily mean that we should recruit the same perceptions. For instance, just because we tend to name an uncomfortable feeling "stress" or "worry"…” quote by Dr. Jacinta Mpalyenkana, Ph.D, MBA](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/01a/dr-jacinta-mpalyenkana-ph-d-mb_emotional-intelligen_we-should-start-questioning-the-definiti_966929.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/01a/dr-jacinta-mpalyenkana-ph-d-mb_emotional-intelligen_we-should-start-questioning-the-definiti_966929.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/01a/dr-jacinta-mpalyenkana-ph-d-mb_emotional-intelligen_we-should-start-questioning-the-definiti_966929.jpg) > ““We should start questioning the definitions we assign to our emotions. Just because other people have assigned a certain name to an emotion doesn't necessarily mean that we should recruit the same perceptions. For instance, just because we tend to name an uncomfortable feeling "stress" or "worry" because either research has concluded that the symptoms point to "worry" or "stress" doesn't make it so. Besides, emotions and feelings are invisible manifestations with only the symptoms as evidence in our bodies and minds, and no one has the equipment to point out exactly what they are--especially since they are always changing. Therefore, let's evaluate what we title things before we do, considering that every title or definition that we assign a thing or emotion creates a link, a mental recognizable relationship between us and what we've named--which constricts our thought processes from creating more empowering, positive emotions.”” [Dr. Jacinta Mpalyenkana, Ph.D, MBA](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dr-jacinta-mpalyenkana-ph-d-mba/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. We should question how we label emotions because names shape perception and limit mental flexibility. **In simple terms:** Naming emotions limits how we think about them. Key Takeaway Reexamine emotional labels to broaden perspective. Themes psychology language self-awareness Mood reflective inquisitive Type analytical philosophical When to use this quote - therapy - self-help - education - personal growth Key Concepts cognitive framing emotional intelligence Questions to Reflect On - How do your emotional labels affect your behavior? - Can alternative naming change your experience? A Different Perspective Labels can oversimplify complex feelings. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Emotion](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/emotion/) [Emotional intelligence](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/emotional-intelligence/) [Emotions](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/emotions/) [Emotions And Feelings](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/emotions-and-feelings/) [Emotions feelings](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/emotions-feelings/) [Fear](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/fear/) [Feelings](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/feelings/) [Invisible Man](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/invisible-man/) ## Related quotes > [If I'm talking to someone and they're feeling a certain way, I will definitely tie into that very quickly. 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Besides, emotions and feelings are invisible manifestations with only the symptoms as evidence in our bodies and minds, and no one has the equipment to point out exactly what they are--especially since they are always changing. 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