Every morning during homeschool, our three year old likes to point at the cartoon face that best matches his mood. My $17 Amazon laminated poster purchase has been a fun way for us to talk about our feelings and how they change daily (or by the minute if we’re talking COVID parenting times). 

I checked the poster and “fat” wasn’t listed as a feeling...anxious, hopeful, sad, curious, even mischievous are all there, but no “fat” cartoon face. How many times have you said to yourself, “I just feel so fat today”? My guess is that during the pandemic, this “fat” feeling has come up more often and here’s why. 

Going through the pandemic has brought up a lot of intense emotions for many people. Fear, uncertainty and isolation to name a few. Instead of just sitting with and letting yourself experience these big feelings, which is uncomfortable for long periods of time, your brain tries to solve the discomfort...