Going through the motions: It’s okay to have seasons of sadness

Whenever I am feeling down, I constantly brainstorm ways to fix it. Negative emotions can be extremely uncomfortable and I just want to make them go away. Unfortunately, it is never that simple. When we experience emotions like sadness, anger, or worry, there is always a reason. It is important for us to identify the root of these feelings and learn how we can equip ourselves to navigate them when they arise.

Take time to process your emotions

Processing our emotions is a vital aspect of emotional well-being and personal growth. We need to be able to acknowledge and accept our own feelings without judgment. By allowing ourselves to feel and understand these emotions, we gain insight into our experiences and develop a deeper sense of self-awareness.

Processing emotions also involves expressing them in healthy ways. This can include journaling, talking to a trusted friend or therapist, engaging in creative outlets like art or music, or practicing mindfulness and meditation. By giving voice to our emotions, we release their energy and prevent them from festering and causing further distress.

When we suppress or ignore our emotions, they can manifest in harmful ways such as physical symptoms, destructive behaviors, or chronic stress. By confronting our emotions with compassion and curiosity, we can identify underlying patterns, triggers, and coping mechanisms. This empowers us to make healthier choices, cultivate resilience, and build emotional intelligence, ultimately leading to greater emotional balance and fulfillment in life.

I love this article from Calm, “How to *actually* feel your feelings: a guide to processing your emotions.” It gives a solid four-step process: Name the Feeling, Notice the Feeling, Listen to the Feeling, and Let the Feeling go. If you are navigating a difficult emotion, go ahead and give it a read. The last step that they outline is letting the feeling go. They say, “feelings are meant to share their message and then leave the body.”

Remember that sadness won’t last forever

In moments of deep sadness, it is easy to feel like you will be trapped in this state forever. There is a light at the end of the tunnel, you just don’t know when it is coming.

That is why it is so important to encourage yourself to process emotions and cope with them effectively.

Meditation and breath work have helped me calm my negative thoughts. I like to envision a life where I am happier and more at peace. I know that if I picture actionable steps, I can make small changes that create a brighter future.

I know what is is like to feel like all hope is lost. It’s okay to sit and cry and feel down. It’s okay to acknowledge that life is unfair and you wish you weren’t going through these hard times. If even the tiniest part of you believes that there is hope, then there will be. You can and will get your joy back.

Don’t feel ashamed for expressing your sadness

Remember to give yourself grace. Don’t feel guilty for these emotions. It might be uncomfortable to talk about them, but it helps to share your feelings with those around you.

If needed, let today be a bad day, and hope for a better tomorrow. You are strong, and you have endured many battles in your life. This is just another hardship that you will conquer. One day, you will look back and be proud of yourself for pushing through the dark times.

Feelings come and go, and you deserve to feel peace and comfort during seasons of sadness.