Happiness Can't Exist Without Sadness
That deep, empty, and hollow pit you feel in your chest sometimes? Yeah, that horrible feeling is sadness. And while you may come to hate it because of how it makes you feel, don't. Sadness is an emotion so much more complex than that; you might associate it with all the bad memories in your life, but really, it's the one emotion that helps us grow to be better people. Here are 20 reasons why sadness is just as important as happiness - though you might not see it at first.
1. It Makes The Happy Times Better
If you were happy all the time, can you really call it happiness? Or is it just feeling normal? The reason why we're able to feel positive emotions like joy and satisfaction is because of sadness. When we know what it's like to be on the other end, it just makes positivity radiate all the brighter.
2. It Makes Us Reflect
When we're feeling sad, we can't help but think back on what happened. What we did wrong, how others wronged us, how to move on, these are all natural questions to think about. And while it might feel like you're stuck in an endless loop, it's a healthy way to process and come to terms with your emotions. Sadness helps us grow from our past pains so we can look forward to a brighter future.
3. It Challenges Us To Do Better
After experiencing so much pain, the only thing we can think of as we climb out of the hole is, "I don't want to feel this again." Which is why sadness pushes us to be better, so we can better for other people and for ourselves. Because in a way, the fear of this emotion challenges us to want only the best.
4. It Helps Us Be Empathetic
When you experience negative emotions, it allows you to become more understanding and connect with other people when they're going through something rough too. In a way, many of our close relationships grow even stronger when you're able to relate with deep and personal matters, helping each other climb through the weeds.
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5. It Builds Character
Everything that happens in your life shapes the person you become. All the emotions you feel? The good and the bad work together to build character and define who you want to be. Don't push aside all the sadness you've experienced, embrace it and let it help you become a kinder, more compassionate person.
6. It Lets Us Connect With Others
Yes, it's possible to make new and beautiful friendships thanks to sadness. Whether it's attending support groups, joining Discord groups or deepening bonds with people you already know, this emotion teaches us how to reach out and ask others for help. In doing so, you'll be connected to so many more people than ever before.
7. It Takes The Pressure Of Your Shoulders
Ever have an intense crying session where you feel like you're drowning in your own tears? It feels terrible at first, but it's just a way to get all that pain and pressure off your chest. Sometimes, there's nothing like letting your sadness out to help you feel better at the end of the day. Never hold it in, let it out and it'll take a weight off your shoulders.
8. It Allows You To Care Deeply
If you think about what sadness does to us in a positive way, really, this emotion forces us to think about what we truly care about. We know it's not a feel-good feeling that makes us smile, but it does allow us to care deeply about our own feelings and what made us hurt; it's something you'll grow from.
9. It Makes Us Stronger
When you're going through a difficult time and feel incredibly sad, it can be hard seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. But rest assured, the other side is always there. When you walk out of that darkness, you'll always feel stronger and more determined than ever before.
10. It Reminds Us Of What Matters
When you reflect on your experiences when you're feeling down, it helps us remember what the bigger picture is at the end of the day. What is it that really matters? Whether it's coming to terms with forgetting a partner who treated you poorly or the love you felt from someone who has passed, sadness is what reminds us of what we truly care about at the end of the day.
11. It Helps Us Better Appreciate The Small Things
Have you ever found yourself smiling when sad thanks to a small gesture made by a friend or a beautiful natural coincidence that came your way? That's because when we're feeling at our most vulnerable, that's when the little things matter the most. And you'd never realize that if it wasn't for sadness.
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12. It's Part Of Life
Saying that life is a roller coaster might sound cliche, but it might just be one of the most true statements ever said. Because throughout life, you'll experience many highs but also many lows. But it's those lows that allow you to feel all that joy and brightness again. You just have to accept that feeling sad is an essential part of life and growth.
13. It Teaches You To Be Kind
Experiencing sadness yourself is one thing, but making someone else sad, now that's an entirely different thing. Doesn't it just make you feel terrible in a way you've never experienced before? Because you'll likely never want to hurt someone in that way again, sadness can truly teach people how to be kind and why it matters so much.
14. It Helps Build Bonds
Who do you call when you're feeling sad? Whether it's your partner, friends, or family, knowing that they'll rush to your side when you need them is a beautiful thing to think about. Sadness can really help build healthy, strong relationships when you share your feelings and emotions with others.
15. It Humbles Us
Never forget that anything can happen to anyone. No one is granted special treatment on this planet and sadness reminds us of that. Everyone is always at risk of facing challenges, dealing with loss, feeling hurt, and so much more. It's how we overcome it that matters.
16. It Allows Us To Grieve
Keeping your emotions all pent up is never healthy, which is why we should learn to appreciate that sadness allows us to connect with our feelings and grieve when we need to. It helps us become more in touch with ourselves, though it might be hard to see in the moment.
17. It Helps Us Take Care Of Ourselves
The moment we feel sad, what do we do? We think about self-care! How can we make ourselves feel better, what snacks should we munch on, what movie should we watch, and so on. It's only with feeling sadness that we allow ourselves to be treated with extra care and kindness.
18. It Improves Our Problem-Solving
Okay, so you're feeling sad. What now? Our brains kick into overdrive when we experience pain and sadness, allowing us to take our problem-solving skills to the next level. It's all about identifying the problem, thinking of solutions, and applying them so you can move on.
19. It Opens The Door For All Emotions
Truthfully, sadness is rarely felt alone; it's usually tied to other emotions like jealousy, frustration, anger, pain, grief, and so much more. Every emotion has an important place in our brains, and while they might not feel the best, sadness helps us unlock those feelings so we can grow and learn from them.
20. It Makes You Less Self-Centered
Funnily enough, sadness teaches us that no, the world doesn't revolve around us! People go through difficult things each day and people are hurting more than you know. That's why when you've experienced true sadness, you'll become more understanding of other people, want to reach out more, and look for ways to help. So while you become more caring of yourself, you simultaneously learn to consider others' feelings more too.
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