When you have a problem you simply need to set a goal, decide on steps that will help you reach that goal, and then get to work. But you can’t always make feeling better an actionable step. Sometimes it is important to simply allow yourself to feel bad.

By being curious about our emotions rather than reactive, we will be better equipped to manage unpleasant feelings.

By accepting your emotions, you are essentially saying, “This is not that bad.” And this is the truth. Negative emotions are unpleasant, but they aren’t the end of the world. In fact, as humans, we often learn and grow the most during difficult times. When we accept negative emotions, they lose their destructive power.

This is not to say that you should never take steps to improve your mood. The point is to remain open to your negative emotions and to view them as an opportunity to learn. If, however, negative emotions are omni-present, over-intrusive, continually perplexing, or unbearably severe, then perhaps it is time to consider seeking some professional help in learning how to manage them. We can commit ourselves to working with our problems to create better lives for ourselves.