It’s hard to think there’s much good to be said about negativity. First of all, there’s plenty of it in the world. Second, negativity can cause a substantial amount of stress and discomfort and color situations. So how can you work negativity to your advantage?

Many people eschew a positive attitude because they don’t find it entirely realistic. If you feel badly, they say, you feel badly. Why deny it? Why force a smile on a frowning face? It’s just not natural.

To some extent, they have a point. When you are feeling negatively about a relationship or a work situation or just the world in general, try the following:

1. Sit with it. Negative emotions are often indicators that you are feeling some deeper pain or anxiety. One of the hardest aspects for many to comprehend when feeling badly is that, while its uncomfortable, sitting with difficult emotions is the key to moving forward. Many people automatically “run for the hills” in a myriad of ways: addictions, work, petty arguments, “tuning out.” Sitting with an uncomfortable mental state is looking at the demon in the eye and taking the fear element out of the equation.

2. Write about it. Sure, sure…you’ve heard it before. The power of journaling. But when was the last time you took ten minutes out of your day to simply vent on paper? The beauty of it is, you can say anything you want! The sky’s the limit! You can live out your dark side without fear of reprecussion. Don’t censor yourself. Say it all. Burn the paper if you want afterwards

3. Meditate. It’s elusive, it’s not easy - but meditation is a masterful tool. Don’t know how? Yes, you do. Meditation is simply our natural state - free of worries and anxiety. Spend 10 minutes, sitting quietly and breathe. Focus entirely on your breathing, letting thoughts go with every out breath. Don’t feel like you have to perfect it. There is no “perfect” meditation. It just gives your poor overworked brain a chance to rest and regroup.

Ultimately, we all feel negatively at times. No need to run from it. Listen to it. What’s it telling you? What’s it want for you? It’s alright to hurt, it’s alright to be angry, it’s alright to express yourself. Negativity can be your friend.