To err is human. To cry or express our negative emotions is even more so.

Why is it, fear or trepidation lingers long after negative events and situations are gone? Why do negative emotions get triggered at the mention of a name? Psychologists agree that we remember negative events more strongly, process negative images more easily, and for every negative act, we need several positive acts to balance it out. So why is it we attempt to hide our negative emotions?

According to scientific studies, the brain identifies and holds on to negative events in order to keep us safe. If we can quickly recall things that threatened, hurt or diminished us, we can easily avoid a recurrence. Since the beginning of human existence, our brains have learned to identify possible threats so that our species can survive. It's natural to have negative thoughts.

So why do positive thinkers want to eliminate negative thoughts altogether? To some extent, this goes against our biological tendencies and causes us great angst or anguish in the end. Negative emotions are a natural bodily function, just like breathing, and if they are not expressed, they don't disappear. They simply get "acted out" or "acted in." 

Negative emotions are just as valid as positive ones.  The trick is to express how we feel and get on with something new. It's a welcome relief that society now allows us to make mistakes, stumble and fall, and then rise heroic to conquer the world. Nowadays, males are allowed equal access to an emotional episode. Like females, they are now able to cry in public, make mistakes, and commit other "unmanly" acts without fear or embarrassment. To err is human. To cry or express our negative emotions is even more so.

If we don't openly express our feelings and emotions, especially our negative ones, they will find a way to rise to the surface. If they never reach the surface, they will become embedded in our hearts and minds. It's in our best interest to accept negative emotions, express how we feel, and keep moving forward.