Opposite Emotions: Self Help Guide for going from negative to positive emotions.
Written by: William Fergus Martin
This list of Opposite Emotions can help you with Step 2 of the 3 of the Four Steps to Forgiveness. You use it like a Self Help Guide to clarify any current negative feelings you are having and what the opposite positive emotions are likely to be.
It is only meant as a rough guide. If you already have a clear idea of the words to use in Step 3 then you don’t need this list except as a possible way to find even juicier words to use.
For Step 3 simply look for the words on the left hand column which are the same, or similar, to the ones you used in Step 2, and find the opposite under the Opposites column. Choose the word or words which seems the juiciest ones to you. If none fit, make a best guess. Feelings may well change and clarify as you loop through the 4 Steps to Forgiveness a few times. If you need it there is a Four Steps to Forgiveness Overview.
If really stuck use love, freedom or blessings as they can work as the opposite of just about anything. It is more important to do the steps now than it is to wait till you are convinced that you can do them perfectly.
Feelings | Opposites |
Step 2 Words | Step 3 Words |
anger | affection |
abandoned | adored, cherished |
abused | valued, appreciated, cared for, tenderness |
aggression | humility, gentleness |
awful | wonder |
bitter | enthusiasm, sweetness |
boredom | involvement, interest, curiosity |
closed | open, available |
confusion | clarity |
crazy, demented | sanity, stability |
darkness | light, truth |
depressed | happiness, loving life, in love with life |
devastated | renewal, restored, complete |
dirty, filthy | cleanliness, purity |
disdain contempt | admiration, approval |
disgust | delight |
revulsion | appreciation |
empty | fullness, fulfilment |
fear | hope, love |
frustration | contentment |
giving up | endurance, stamina |
guilt | innocence |
hate, despise | love, in love |
hopeless | hope, willing to go on |
hurt | relief, blessing |
inferior | equality, feeling valued |
lies | truth |
loneliness | community, belonging, partnership |
lost | belonging, at home, being discovered |
mouldy | freshness |
nervous | boldness, courage |
numb | alive, new life |
obsessed | freedom |
pessimism | optimism |
pointless | meaningfulness |
poverty | wealth, abundance |
putrid | sweet perfume, delight |
rage | peace, ease, blessedness, vision |
rejection | welcome, support, acceptance |
remorse | ways to make amends |
repulsion | attraction |
sadness | happiness |
shame | pride, purity, innocence |
shyness | curiosity, boldness |
spiteful | kindness, consideration |
stuck | movement, flow |
suspicion | trust |
terror | peace, serenity, love |
torn apart | renewed, restored |
ugly | beauty, grace |
unfulfilled | satisfaction, fulfilment |
unhealthy | health, wellbeing |
useless | useful, good, blessed |
vengeful | friendliness, goodwill, kindness |
weakness | strength, back bone |
worthless | worthiness, admiration, appreciation |