Why You Can’t Always Feel Happy and Why That’s Perfectly Natural

In today’s world, we are constantly bombarded with messages that tell us we should always be happy. Social media, self-help books, and modern culture often portray happiness as the ultimate goal. A permanent state we should strive for. But here’s the truth: you can’t always feel good, and that’s not only okay, it’s completely natural.

Nature doesn’t stay the same, and neither do you

If you take a look at nature, you’ll notice one undeniable truth: change is constant. The seasons shift, the tides ebb and flow, and the moon cycles through its phases. No tree blooms year-round, and no river stays still. Just as nature moves through cycles of growth, decay, and renewal, so do our emotions.

Expecting to always feel good is like expecting summer to last forever. But just as autumn brings transformation and winter invites stillness, periods of sadness, uncertainty, or low energy are necessary parts of life’s rhythm.

The role of contrast in emotional well-being

Happiness wouldn’t exist without its counterpart. Just as light is defined by darkness and warmth is felt more deeply after a cold winter, joy is more meaningful because we’ve known sadness. When we allow ourselves to experience the full spectrum of emotions, we cultivate deeper resilience, wisdom, and appreciation for the moments of joy when they arrive.

Why fighting unhappiness makes it worse

One of the biggest myths about happiness is that we must chase it or force it. But resisting natural emotional shifts can actually make things harder. Imagine a river trying to stop itself from flowing, it would only cause a buildup of pressure. The same goes for emotions. When we allow ourselves to feel sadness, frustration, or restlessness without resistance, they naturally move through us, just like seasons passing in their own time.

How to embrace the natural rhythms of your emotions

Instead of fighting against the natural ebb and flow of emotions, try embracing them with these simple shifts:

• Observe nature’s cycles – Notice how the changing seasons reflect your inner world. Just as winter is a time for rest and reflection, allow yourself space to slow down when needed.

• Let go of unrealistic expectations – Stop expecting constant happiness. Instead, aim for balance and harmony, just like nature does.

• Practice presence – When you're feeling down, acknowledge it without judgment. Let the feeling be there, knowing that, like all things in nature, it will change.

• Align with the seasons – Consider adopting seasonal practices, like slowing down in winter or embracing renewal in spring, to help you stay in tune with natural cycles.

Finding peace in life’s natural flow

If you truly want to connect with nature, start by accepting that you, too, are a part of its ever-changing rhythm. Just as no season is better than another, no emotion is inherently “bad.” When we stop chasing happiness and start flowing with life’s natural cycles, we find something even deeper: a sense of peace, balance, and belonging.

So next time you find yourself wondering why you don’t feel good all the time, remember: that’s not how nature works. And that’s exactly how it’s meant to be.

No season lasts forever and that’s a beautiful thing.

Want to deepen your connection with nature and align your life with the rhythm of the seasons?

Download my free E-book Wild Teachings or sign up for the waiting list for my upcoming course ´Seasons of Creativity´.