I was here

We live in a world obsessed with happiness. Social media feeds overflow with curated smiles and #blessed hashtags. Self-help gurus peddle the idea that we can manifest our way to perpetual joy. But what about the messy, uncomfortable emotions that inevitably creep in? The anger, sadness, grief, and fear?

We're told to suppress them, to "look on the bright side," to just be positive. This relentless pursuit of happiness has created a dangerous cult – a cult of positivity – where anything less than unwavering optimism is deemed unacceptable.

But here's the truth: it’s okay to feel your feelings. All of them.

Trying to force happiness is like trying to hold water in your hands. It'll slip through your fingers, leaving you feeling even more empty and frustrated.

Emotions are not inherently good or bad; they're simply signals. Anger can point towards injustice, sadness towards loss, fear towards potential threats. These feelings are messengers carrying valuable information about ourselves and our environment.

By denying them, we cut off this vital communication channel. We become disconnected from ourselves and unable to process life’s complexities.

Imagine trying to heal a wound by simply ignoring it. It won't magically disappear; it will fester and grow worse. The same goes for our emotions. Bottling them up doesn't make them go away; it only intensifies their impact over time.

Embracing the full spectrum of human experience means acknowledging the darkness as well as the light. It means allowing ourselves to feel the pain, the anger, the sadness – and learning from them. It means accepting that life is a tapestry woven with both joy and sorrow, beauty and ugliness.

So, the next time you're tempted to slap a smile on your face and pretend everything is fine, take a moment to check in with yourself. What are you truly feeling? Allow yourself to experience it fully, without judgment or shame.

Because only by embracing the full range of our emotions can we truly understand ourselves and live authentic, meaningful lives.