"You shouldn't dwell on your sadness because someone somewhere has it worse than you."

There is no telling how many times someone has told me this in my lifetime. I can't even begin to count all the times that someone has put me down for allowing myself to feel sad or even trying to talk about why I feel that way. I have lost many people in my life due to the simple fact that I care to realize when I am feeling down; they all told me that "I cared too much about myself." The thing is, I am allowed to feel the way I feel, I am allowed to be sad. (This goes for anyone else as well).

Yes, someone somewhere most definitely has it worse than me - I am completely aware of the fact. Yet, abandoning someone or telling them they have no reason to feel a certain way is no way to react to someone who is feeling down and/or asking for help.

I, personally, try my best to be a very happy person. It's undeniable that I have a lot to be grateful for, so I try not to lose sight of all the things I am lucky to have in my life. Also, I was always taught to try to find the happiness in each and every struggle. And even though I try to as hard as I can, I am still a real person and I have my days. Sadness is not my feeling or emotion of first-choice - or anyone's for that matter - but l also think in many ways, sadness is an inevitable feeling. So, there are times when things go wrong and I find myself less-than-content.

When I do have bad days, I don't try to rush myself back into "happiness" anymore. Yes, being happy is great, and being sad isn't the most ideal feeling, but when I try and force myself to be happy, it makes matters worse. I tend to build things up emotionally, and when I do, the slightest things can spark an emotional tidal wave. Thus, I need to acknowledge my true feelings and express them as well. It sucks having to hide your feelings due to being afraid someone will criticize you for feeling that way.

If you're ever in a place or mindset where you don't feel happy or content, do not let someone convince you that you have no reason or right to be sad. You don't have to go throughout life hiding your true emotions. First of all, that would be unrealistic. And second of all, it would be such a hard life to live.

So, when you are in a situation where you find yourself feeling sad just remember:

1. It's okay to feel this way.

2. Your feelings are valid.

3. Things will eventually get better.