“Happiness can be defined as an enduring state of mind consisting not only of feelings of joy, contentment, and other positive emotions, but also of a sense that one’s life is meaningful and valued.” Â
Courtney E. Ackerman, MA. “What Is Happiness and Why Is It Important? (+ Definition).”
Happiness is an emotion that all of us strive to feel. We achieve this happiness through various ways like hanging out with friends, partaking in different activities, and filling our days with things we love. What happens when that happiness runs out? What happens when the feelings of being content and at peace go away. One day you’re as bright as the sun and the next, you’re dim like the midnight sky.Â
Life isn’t always sunshine and rainbows, sometimes it gets dark and twisty (in the words of Meredith Grey). We experience negative things, but are pressured to continue to put a smile on our face. I used to think that there was no other way, that saying “I’m fine” and “everything is okay” was the only acceptable norm. I have recently come to the realization that it’s not true at all; that being sad and in turmoil is not the end of the world. Women are accused of being too emotional when in reality their emotions are completely valid. It is okay to cry. Crying does not make you weak. Being sad or not at peace does not automatically mean you are depressed. Everyone is allowed to feel however they feel.
An article under the Harvard Business Review, states that having an abnormal response to an abnormal situation is normal. A quote from Dr. Zuckerman in the article says, “Allowing yourself not to feel ok involves accepting all feelings, thoughts, or sensations, and sitting with them until they pass. If you try to avoid, suppress, or ignore them, they will only grow stronger and leave you overwhelmed and believing that you cannot cope.” I really resonated with this quote when first reading it, because I have developed such high anxiety. I believe a big part of that is because I locked up my emotions for too long. I told myself and others that I was “okay”.Â
“Toxic positivity not only invalidates your emotional state, but also increased secondary emotions.”
“It’s Okay to Not Be Okay.” Harvard Business Review
We’ve all been discussing our ins and outs of 2024. I think the number one out of this year should be hiding the discomforts of our lives. Instead, we should throw out the toxic positivity that has been engraved into our society and lock in to our emotions. We should allow ourselves to feel ALL of our emotions this year. Embrace the idea of being content with our lack of contentment. Just know that not being okay is okay. We all have a point in our life where something unpleasant happens, but the best way to get through it is to embrace it. Whatever is going on in your life, you can and will handle it. I believe in you, and I believe that this year we will be in touch with our emotions to the fullest!