Sometimes we feel really low, and sometimes we don’t even know why. It can be really frustrating, confusing, and overwhelming. Low doesn’t just mean sad and depressed, though. We can experience an array of emotions we’d rather not deal with. I actually think it’s important for us to experience all emotions at some point in time, even if it’s painful. Experiencing things gives you such a more enlightened perspective, and lots of times the only way to gain that perspective is by getting your hands dirty.

That being said, we don’t need to dwell on these negative emotions. It’s okay to feel sad. It’s okay to be bitter about something. It’s okay to be outraged. But at the end of the day, we’re going to get closer to self-actualization if we’re investing our energies into more positive emotions.

I made some tombstones to symbolize the act of laying these negative aspects to rest, based on (the wonderfully creative) Michelle‘s idea. I hope that you can accept these as an inspirational gesture to bring as much positivity into your life as possible.

Rest in peace, Jealousy. I don’t need you here. I don’t need to compare myself to anyone else. It can be fun to wish for the life of a movie star, or to imagine what it would be like to trade places with that friend on Facebook who we just can’t stop lurking. It might be easier to get angry at our significant others for spending time with other people, but we’re taking the other path.

I am a beautiful person with unique ambitions and a life of my own. I am all I need. I will continue to do my own thing, and if others want to spend time with me, I will welcome them in my own way.

Rest easy, Regret. I’ve learned a lot from you, but I’m not going to dwell here. I accept the lessons you’ve taught me based on my mistakes. I know what to do in the future, and I’m sure we’ll meet again, but you can’t hang out in my passenger’s seat. I acknowledge you, and I’m grateful, but I’m moving on.

I’m going forwards, and you can’t stop me.

Time to check out, Boring Routine. You are not welcome here. You make me feel stagnant in this rut you’ve created. You’re useful for reliability, but I’m tired of predicting every move my life makes. It’s time to shake things up, and that’s what I’m going to do. You have no hold over me.

I have a wildness inside me that can’t be tamed. Cookies and mashed potatoes for breakfast when I want it, and dancing at the store whenever Ke$ha comes on.

Get out of here, Hesitance. It’s enough. I can’t dwell in this state of purgatory. I might never be ready, and I have to accept that. It’s time to take healthy risks and go after what I want. You make me question every move. Stop arguing with my intuition! I appreciate your concern, but I can make my own decisions.

I am my own teacher. I’m taking the leap into possibility. I’ve got this.

RIP, Sadness. We’ve spent too much time together lately. I’m honestly glad we met, because you make me realize just how good balloons and picnics can be, but we need some time apart. Yes, I’ll be back. But I hope that our visits become shorter and less intense. You’re a dark, dark cloud and I need sunshine to grow.

I choose happiness. I choose fun. I choose to be positive.

What negative emotions do you need a break from?