The Emotional Wiki.
Twenty-four feelings, read the way Eric Chow reads them: as messengers. What each one is telling you, what he has said about it, and what he does with it, sourced word for word to his podcast and his essays.
“All emotions are trying to get you to look at something closer.”
How Are You Feeling?
Choose the word closest to it. Each one opens its entry.
Before the Leap.
The feelings that stand between an idea and the first step.
- 01FearSomething ahead matters, and it deserves your courage rather than your retreat.
- 02DoubtYou do not know yet. That is all it means, and the only way to find out is to try.
- 03UncertaintyYou cannot see the whole road. You can still see the next few steps.
- 04PressureSomeone else’s timetable is being mistaken for yours.
- 05InadequacyYour self-image is lower than your ability. Most of what follows is a symptom of that.
In the Storm.
The feelings that arrive when things go wrong, and what to do inside them.
- 06OverwhelmYou are fighting the storm. Look for the eye of it instead.
- 07DisappointmentSomething you were counting on fell through. It hurts less when it is not the only thing ahead.
- 08SadnessYou cared about something. Sadness is how much.
- 09AngerYou have handed someone else the power over your outcome. Take it back.
- 10DiscomfortYou are at the edge of your comfort zone. Ask whether it is harming you or growing you.
- 11LonelinessYou need connection more than rest. Reach out before you retreat.
- 12RegretThe past is pulling your attention away from what is in front of you.
- 13DrainedYou may not be tired at all. You may be missing purpose, meaning, or people.
In the Clearing.
The feelings that lift, and how he builds a life that makes room for them.
- 14HopeIt has gotten better before. That is your evidence that it can again.
- 15GratitudeYou already have more than you are looking at. Say so, out loud, to the people responsible.
- 16PrideYou kept a promise to yourself. Attach the feeling to the effort, not the result.
- 17ConfidenceYou will be fine either way. That is what frees you to try.
- 18AlivenessYou are living rather than existing. Notice what got you here, and do more of it.
- 19AnticipationSomething good is coming. Keep something good coming.
Toward Others.
The feelings that face outward: comparison, care, and curiosity about people.
- 20EnvyYou want something you have told yourself you do not want.
- 21HumilityThere is still something to learn here, from someone.
- 22CareYou want good things for someone. Make sure your own fire is burning first.
- 23CuriositySomething here is interesting. Follow it and see where it goes.
- 24WonderYou are unlikely beyond measure, and so is everyone you meet.
Every Feeling Is Legitimate.
“All emotions are legitimate. Never put yourself down for feeling a certain way.”
Chow’s Choice · Is That Person Really Winning Life?
The Emotional Wiki gathers what Eric has said and written about feelings across 68 podcast episodes and his essays on Chow’s Choice. Each quote links to the moment it was said. The readings are drawn from his words; the words are his. Eric speaks as a podcaster and a friend, not a clinician. If you are struggling, talk to someone you trust, and if you are in crisis in the United States, call or text 988.