We tend to deal in extremes, focusing on the worst or best case scenarios which often result in a total eclipse of the present moment. As we flip through social media channels, we're confronted by everyone else's "highlight" reel, and it can seem like the whole world is doing better than us. Whether it's a colleague who was just promoted, an old friend who is newly engaged, or a neighbor who went backpacking through Europe, it can be difficult to navigate the reality of our regular, less-than-exciting, everyday lives. While popular psychology proclaims that happiness is a choice, it may be worth it to consider the purpose of negativity in happiness. What if taking the time to feel our 'bad' feelings made us appreciate, and even make better progress toward, feeling happy again? 

Learn how starting with small wins and celebrating our potential means mastering the gray area of happiness. 

The Upside of Feeling Down: Why It's Okay Not to Feel Happy All the Time

Happiness Posts is published by Darin M. Klemchuk founder of Klemchuk PLLC, an intellectual property law firm located in Dallas, Texas and co-founder of Engage Workspace for Lawyers, a coworking space for lawyers. He also publishes the Ideate (law) and Elevate (law firm culture) blogs. You can find more information about his law practice at his firm bio and also at his BioSite.