Why Being Sad Is Essential to My Happiness

Sadness has taught me to notice these moments, to savor them, knowing they’re precious and will be gone in the blink of an eye.

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For most of my life, I thought happiness was the only emotion worth pursuing. I’d see sadness as a barrier to happiness — a hurdle I needed to clear. But over time, I’ve understood that sadness isn’t something to dodge or ignore. Instead, it is deep and fundamental and lends a richness to my happiness, a deeper hue to my life.

Sadness Gives My Life Depth

Being sad for me, well, it’s as if parts of myself get accessed that I don’t get to see very often. I think sadness pushes me to deep thought, to reflect, and to search for meaning in situations that first feel painful. It’s as if these heavy moments show me who I really am and what truly matters. That depth makes the happy moments in my life richer and more genuine.

It’s the difference between a rough sketch and a full, vibrant painting. The sadness colors in the lines and gives shape and substance to my joy.

Sadness Has Made Me Stronger

It sounds weird, but every time I come out of one of those difficult periods, I feel just that little bit tougher…