We all have emotionally draining days, the ones we end on a couch with too much junk food and not enough actual relaxation. I'm here to tell you that life doesn't have to be that way. You can feel all of your emotions and still feel fueled to keep going. Don't let them keep you down. Instead, use all of that to fuel your soul's fire.
1. Anger
That ticking noise you feel beneath your heated skin--don't give it your power. When you feel angry, use that strong emotion to propel yourself into something worthwhile. Angry about inequality? Fight for equality. Volunteer your time; spread awareness; find allies who feel the same way. Angry about that test you failed? Push yourself to do better. Meet with your professor; join a study group; find a tutor. Angry about life in general? Make it better. Use your anger to fuel change.
2. Fear
On my right ribcage, I have a tattoo of my moral compass. The four points are honesty, courage, trust, and fear. Everyone always asks, "Why fear?" I always have the same answer: I try to do one thing everyday that scares me. But that's on the small scheme. On a larger scale--some people chase their dreams. I chase my fears. If it doesn't scare me, it's probably not worth it. Same for you. Don't let fear force you away from anything. Let it pull you in.
3. Worry
As a person with anxiety, worry can consume me. But that is a choice. I know that. On good days, I choose to expend my energy on preventing or discouraging my worries. You should too. If you spend time worrying, neither your past, present, nor future will benefit. Time spent worrying is time wasted. Instead, determine why you are worried. Is it an upcoming test? Study more. Is it about an uncontrollable situation? Remind yourself: I have no control.
4. Envy
Do you remember feeling jealous of the person your crush "loved" in middle school? You laugh about it now, but that envy destroyed you. You lost the bright sides of your personality--and probably some friends. Was it worth it? No, envy never is. Instead of succumbing to jealous acts, decide what you are jealous of. Someone's hair? Focus on what you don't like about yours, and change it. A part of someone's personality? Decide why it's important to you, and think about where it fits with your personal characteristics.
5. Love
It seems like I ran out of "negative" emotions, doesn't it? That's not true. When completely consumed by, love can destroy a person. We all know that. However, that type of destruction comes from giving all of your love to someone else. Yes, they might deserve it. You might genuinely, wholeheartedly see the beauty of the world in their soul. But you still exist. You still need love, and self love is the best love. Share your love, but don't completely pass it on.
Of course, many other emotions exist. Many other emotions are dangerous in complete consumption. Alas, the point is this: moderation and positivity should always outweigh the rest. Don't feel overwhelmed by negativity; turn the table on your emotions. You are strong. You are beautiful. And you are worth more than the future you have. Move into it as a force to be reckoned with.
