Negative feelings are calling for your attention. They’re nudging you to take responsibility. Full responsibility. Something in your life is not right and needs to change. Change is difficult and it’s scary. When it’s the end of the road, it’s time to plan a new route. Will you go right, or will you go left? It’s all up to you. No matter what you decide a consequence will follow.

What are negative feelings telling you?

There’s comfort in staying depressed while complaining about your conundrum to others. When people give validation, it’s a never-ending cycle. It’s easier to avoid responsibility by blaming other people or circumstances. Your negative feelings might be responding to what you’re saying or doing to yourself or others. Or you won’t admit you’ve made a mistake. Self-reflection isn’t easy but it helps you learn how your actions no longer serve the world around you. When you understand more about yourself, you’ll act in ways that align closer to your core beliefs.

The best strategy to cope with negative feelings is to be courageous.

Get out from under the blanket of depression. Open your eyes. Stand up and stretch. Starting is the hardest part, but once the mind focuses on what to do the rest falls into place. Start small doing what is within your reach. Many small tasks will help you gain the momentum you need to change.

You might fear the repercussions of how you or others will feel in the short term. But eventually, it could be what turns the negative into a positive. What you fail to notice keeps you from going where you want to be.

Deep inside your mind you know the answer. You know what’s best beyond the chatter of advice spewed by others who are clueless about your journey. Owning your decision doesn’t mean you’ll convince others. Someone you care for might not understand. Getting away from negativity might mean discarding belongings, ending relationships, and moving out. Behind those actions is an uncertain future. The unknown keeps people stuck to whatever no longer suits them. Dare to get out of your comfort zone, and you’ll reap the rewards. You’ll learn how to deal with your negative emotions effectively.