Overcoming Seductive Sadness

Unhappy moods can be like comfortable sweaters, those old ones: familiar, worn and with the right kind of smell. When we're in a sad place, or actually with any dissatisfied feelings, we want that comfy sweater. We actually can feel really safe wearing it. It's dark and cozy. Choosing to feel the full feeling of those emotions are powerful. In some way wrapping that sweater tight, we are powerful.

Bad moods are seductive this way. When our sorrows claim us, then we demand attention, and sympathy. We're the object of our friend's attention. And when the universe makes sure no one is home when you call, there's that cozy sweater again, that old sweatshirt, or those bed covers. The lure is even stronger.

The problem is that when we're ruled by these emotions