Fact-Checking Friday: Feelings Are Not Facts

I think when I die, I want my tombstone to say, “Feelings are not facts.”

It’s the phrase I repeat to clients, friends, and honestly… to myself. Because no matter how much we grow, feelings still try to convince us they’re the boss.

Ever spiral over a text that just said “k”? Or convince yourself someone’s mad at you because they didn’t wave back in the grocery store? We’ve all been there. Our feelings make really convincing arguments — they just don’t always have all the evidence.

Here’s the truth: feelings are real, but that doesn’t mean they’re right. They’re signals, not sentences. They tell us something is happening inside, but not always what’s true about what’s happening around us.

Your body might feel fear when there’s no danger. You might feel rejected when someone’s just distracted. You might feel unloved when you’re simply tired. Feelings aren’t facts — they’re data points. The goal isn’t to ignore them; it’s to interpret them wisely.

When we slow down enough to check what’s true before reacting, we give our emotions the space to settle — and our minds a chance to lead. That’s where peace lives.

Try This

1. Name it, don’t narrate it: Instead of “They hate me,” try “I feel hurt right now.” Naming the feeling keeps you in charge of the story.

2. Check the evidence: Ask yourself, “What do I know for sure?” If you don’t have proof, don’t build a conclusion.

3. Soothe before solving: When emotions spike, slow your breathing, take a short walk, or pray. Regulate first — respond later.

Inviting God

Psalm 139:23–24 (NIV) says, “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.”Ask God to help you sort what’s true from what’s just loud, and to anchor you in peace when emotions try to take over.

Let’s Connect

Leave a comment or reach out to me via the website — let’s talk about how this has sparked your desire for better living. I’ll see you back here tomorrow for Soulful Saturday. And don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss any future posts.

If today’s message spoke to you, you’ll love my book My Pocket Counselor — it offers perspective-shifting truth and faith-filled guidance to help you grow emotionally and spiritually, one step at a time.