As I write this, it is a Saturday morning. It is currently quiet, and I have been able to take a few minutes to reflect on the last week. And, as usual, it seemed to be as busy or busier than the last week or the week before. Next, when I think of the emotions I have experienced recently, they have been all over the place. Even in one day I could go from confident to apprehensive; excited to scared; hopeful to sad. It has been all over the place, but if I think about it I doubt it is all that different from many days or weeks in my life.
At least in the United States, there is this intense focus to “be happy”. What exactly does that mean? My guess is your happy is different than my happy. The other part of that intense focus is that you need to be happy all of the time. It’s the notion that sadness or anger or doubt are emotions to be avoided. Why? What meaning can we assign to life if it is “happy” all of the time? When I stop to reflect, I realize how unrealistic it is to be happy at all times. That’s not real. That’s not human. The reminder and takeaway for me is to look at all of my emotions as ways of giving me information and helping me understand and navigate life.
Of course, emotions can potentially go too far and lead to illness or impairment. I’m not saying that piece is helpful. However, things like sadness, anger, frustration, and others should not necessarily be shunned at all times. I would argue that they are part of our daily lives, and need to be recognized for the value that they can bring in certain life experiences.