For the past, let's say, a week and a half - maybe longer - I haven't been myself. Instead of my positive, cheery, optimistic, loving self, I've had these feelings inside of self-hate, harshness, and withdrawal from life…
What I'm feeling hurts. It's suffering. But I know that it will not last forever. Emotions come and go, like clouds, like angry express trains, or like strong waves. But they pass. They will not last forever, and they are not impossible to bear. Yes, they are hard. Yes, they don't feel good. But I can handle experiencing uncomfortable emotions and ride them out until they go away. I can remind myself that suffering is part of life, and that all human beings suffer. I try to keep myself involved in and focused on action, and in doing things that give me pleasure. I try to be grateful for every breath I take. I can enjoy the special gifts that Hashem has given me: the ability to see beautiful and vivid colors; the ability to touch, to feel soft things and different textures; to experience a hug; the ability to taste so many different foods; the ability to sing, and hear the voices of my family. There is so much.
There is so much to be grateful for.