Jackal Dictionary
Part of cultivating compassion is learning to hear the feelings and needs people are expressing regardless of the words they use. This dictionary is meant to help you in that process. If you are having difficulty guessing the feelings and needs behind someone's words, you can enter the words or phrase into the Jackal Dictionary search engine. A list of possible feelings and needs will pop up for you to consider. If you don't find a phrase you are looking for, email it to us and we will add it to the dictionary.
I shouldn't risk failing. I probably can't do it anyway.
Feelings: frustrated, depressed, tired
Needs: competency, purpose, autonomy
I shouldn't be so fearful!
Feelings: disappointed, frustrated
Needs: peace, competence, confidence
I should exercise more!
Feelings: disappointed, confused, guilty
Needs: health, consistency, self-trust, vibrancy, strength, beauty
I should be achieving more!
Feelings: panicky, restless, guilty
Needs: belonging, contribution, meaning, acceptance
I should be able to understand everything.
Feelings: worried, overwhelmed, uneasy
Needs: security, competence, order
I should be able to let go of events from childhood.
Feelings: discouraged, burnt out,
Needs: healing, growth, hope, peace, wholeness
I said I'm sorry!
Feelings: defensive, insecure, worried
Needs: connection, harmony, acceptance
I need to make everything right.
Feelings: worried, concerned
Needs: need to serve, integrity
I just have to carry on. It's my responsibility
Feelings: tired, gloomy, overwhelmed
Needs: security, respect, honor
I have no value.
Feelings: grief, disappointment, loneliness, shame
Needs: purpose, contribution, meaning, community, self-connection
I have no purpose.
Feelings: confused, depressed, disconnected, hopeless
Needs: purpose, meaning, belonging, appreciation, contribution
I have just been dumped on!
Feelings: angry, overwhelmed
Needs: choice, respect, consideration
I have been abused!
Feelings: angry, hurt, frightened, resentful
Needs: healing, nurturing, safety, respect
I feel undermined!
Feelings: angry, resentful, shocked, frustrated
Needs: honesty, collaboration, trust, support
I feel so abandoned!
Feelings: terrified, hurt, lonely, sad, bewildered
Needs: reassurance, belonging, connection, support
I feel like everything is my fault!
Feelings: shame, hopeless
Needs: acceptance, empathy, support, mutual responsibility
I feel humiliated!
Feelings: embarrassed, ashamed, angry, dejected
Needs: respect, equity, compassion, consideration