They say happiness is a choice. So, I used to wonder: Is sadness a choice as well? Happiness is a positive emotion, something I know you strive for. Happiness is laughing with friends, seeing your excited dog after a long day or hearing “your song” come on during a party. Happiness is a natural emotion that occurs unexpectedly. Is sadness not the same thing? After giving this concept some thought, I’ve come to a conclusion: It is okay for you to be sad. It is okay to cry. It is fine to not feel fine. However, it is not okay for you to feel this emotion all of the time or letting your sadness overpower your happiness.

If you have had a stressful week and have the urge to let it out through tears… do it. If your boyfriend breaks up with you, cry. If a loved one has died…sob long and hard if you need to. I have often found that a good cry surprisingly solves a lot of things. Even when they say you are not allowed to, cry. “Man up!” or “Big girls don’t cry,” are all too familiar to you. Do not apologize for crying as if it is a crime to be human. William Shakespeare wrote, “To weep is to make less the depth of grief.”

Although sadness is perfectly fine, the important part is eventually cheering up. Find things that make YOU happy. Maybe it’s listening to your favorite album, seeing your best friend, or taking a day off just to relax. Whatever it is, make sure it’s something that is genuinely going to give you joy, even though it may be temporary.

Remember, it is a necessity to be sad! Whether you’re five or fifty, sadness and crying should be accepted emotions, just as happiness is. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Cry all you want to when you’re feeling down. Don’t be embarrassed or guilty. Sadness is okay!