I have been keeping a journal consistently for the last 10 years. It is amazing to go back and read the thoughts that were on my mind at different points in my life. The funny part I've noticed is that the issues I dealt with then are the same issues I deal with now. I often feel like I'm reading the same story over and over again. I never would have thought that I would be saddened by the same types of circumstances 10 years later. I always thought I would be able to change these things.

One of the best lessons I learned this year was that my moods and emotions do not have to define my day. I feel sad sometimes and I feel happy sometimes. Maybe this doesn't seem like big news, but the truth is these emotions used to control my world with a much greater significance than they do now. I felt I immediately needed to do something about them, make changes, prepare for the world to end! J, or perhaps just pull the covers over my head!

Sadness and Happiness Come and Go

Now I have evidence, 10 years of time tested documented evidence, to know that my emotions will come and go...sadness will be over in a few days (and it will come again), just like the better forms of happiness. Today I can wake up and feel a little depressed or a little discouraged about my circumstances and know that these are only emotions. They are only one part of a bigger picture.

Sadness absolutely needs to be validated, but now I allow the feelings to sit in the "backseat" of my mind and just "be." I acknowledge that they are there, but I do not indulge in them. I feel them, but I move forward through my day, taking care of what needs to be done, knowing that I am fully human that is why I feel. Sadness will pass in a few days and whatever the cause, it will probably not change the big picture of my life that significantly. I have also learned, and read in those same journals, that even in those fewer cases where the circumstances did change my life, I have always had the tools to handle it, and you probably do too.

Why it's Beautiful

The whole range of our emotions is actually quite beautiful. Sadness often signifies that something was meaningful...and isn't that what makes our life worth living?

xoxo

melissa@myheartdances.com
917-689-6530

P.S. I offer coaching for women who are interested in improving aspects of their lifestyle with a holistic approach. Having someone validate your experience and offer objective feedback and solutions can be tremendously healing. If you are interested in a trial consultation please contact me.