AFFIRMATION: Smart Girls Know That Emotions Never Stay the Same

Movies are full of fairy tale endings…just watch any romantic comedy and things are always neatly wrapped up by the time the credits roll. Some impossible situation is figured out, the girl always gets the awesome guy, and everyone lives happily ever after. But what happens if you see movies like this over and over again? Well, for starters, you might begin to think that “happily ever after” is what we should all aspire to. The problem is, happily ever after doesn’t exist. Happiness is an emotional state of mind, and like all emotions, it comes and goes.

Think about the last time you were really sad. I’m talking pint of Ben & Jerry’s, box-worth of soggy tissues, eyes redder than a beet sad. When you’re that upset, sometimes it seems like you’ll never stop feeling the way you do at that very moment.

But low and behold…you eventually do stop feeling sad, don’t you? At some point the tears stop flowing, if for no other reason than you’re just plain exhausted or your tear ducts are drier than the Sahara. Your breathing slows down and the sadness you’re feeling starts to disappear, even if it’s only for a few minutes.

So what happened? Well, like all emotions, nothing lasts forever. Think about it:

• When was the last time you were SAD?

• When was the last time you were HAPPY?

• When was the last time you were ANGRY?

• When was the last time you were JEALOUS?

• When was the last time you were EXCITED?

Did any of these emotions stick around? No way. Here’s another way to think of it. Imagine your emotional life is one very long roller coaster. The top of the hill might be happiness, while the bottom of the dip might be sadness. A sudden curve to the right might whip you into anger. An upside-down loop might be excitement. And on and on it goes…up, down, around and around—a never-ending ride on the roller coaster of life.

So, the next time you’re feeling SAD, try saying this…THIS FEELING WILL PASS. Why? Because it’s true. Just like that roller coaster, you’ll start to climb back up that hill for another go ’round.

And the next time you’re feeling HAPPY about something, try doing this…LIVE IN THE MOMENT. Take a step back, smile to yourself, shout “I’m happy right now!” and embrace the feelings that go along with it.

Remember, happiness isn’t a destination. If you keep looking for the day when things are “happily ever after,” you might forget to buckle up and enjoy the ride.

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