Undervaluing your emotions

I recently saw the movie The Invasion, starring Nicole Kidman. As in the 1956 and 1978 versions, the story depicts alien organisms who attempt to take over earth by taking control of human bodies and voiding them of all emotions. Humans infected with the organism go about their daily lives as normal, with the same memories, and the same habits, but without any feelings. Those who have not yet become infected try desparately to hang on to their ability to feel. The movie poses the question: do we really want to rid ourselves of boredom, drama, anger, and depression at the cost of joy, desire, hope, and love?

In the year ensuing my separation from my husband, I have had so many rides on my emotional rollercoaster that I caught myself wishing for the ability to become numb to everything. But having emotions is, exactly as the movie suggests, what makes us human. Emotions are part of us, and it's what propels us into action. It makes us improve our living condition, inspire innovation, and help us reproduce. Emotions are incredibly valuable to the human race. Without we will cease to advance. Everyone will be so content with his or her life, that there will be no beauty, no hobbies, no desire to improve anything, no loyalty to anyone, and absolutely nothing worthwhile in relationships.

Perhaps someone who suffers emotionally wishes away all emotions just so the mental pain would stop. But perhaps a better way to deal emotional suffering is not to wish it away, but instead of revel in its presence. Allowing it to run its course by realizing that it's a part of who you are. There can't be joy without suffering. That is the dynamics of human life. We were all meant to feel emotions, so don't hate them, enjoy them.