It's OK to be sad after making the right decision. Andrew Zaffina

Andrew Zaffina's quote, "It's OK to be sad after making the right decision," offers a compassionate and realistic perspective on the emotional complexities of life choices. It acknowledges that even when we logically know we've made the correct choice, it doesn't necessarily negate the feelings of sadness, grief, or loss that can accompany it.

Here's a breakdown of the meaning:

• "It's OK to be sad...": This validates the feeling of sadness as a legitimate emotional response, even in situations where the outcome is ultimately for the best. It normalizes the idea that difficult decisions can evoke a range of emotions, and sadness is one of them. It counters the expectation that making a "right" choice should automatically lead to immediate happiness or relief.

• "...after making the right decision.": This is the key nuance of the quote. It highlights that the sadness isn't necessarily a sign that the decision was wrong. Instead, it suggests that even beneficial choices can involve loss, change, or the letting go of something valued.

Here are some reasons why someone might feel sad after making the right decision:

• Loss of the Familiar: Even if a situation was ultimately unhealthy or unsustainable, it was still familiar. Letting go of it can bring a sense of loss for what was, even if what was wasn't good.
• Grief for What Could Have Been: Sometimes the "right" decision involves closing a door on a potential future or a different path, and there can be sadness in acknowledging that those possibilities will not be realized.
• Pain of Separation: Right decisions can involve ending relationships, leaving jobs, or moving away from familiar environments, all of which can trigger feelings of sadness and loneliness.
• The Difficulty of Change: Even positive change can be challenging and emotionally taxing. The process of adjustment and the uncertainty of the future can evoke sadness.
• Empathy for Others: A "right" decision for oneself might have negative consequences for others, leading to feelings of guilt or sadness about their pain.
• The Weight of Responsibility: Making a difficult but necessary decision can carry a heavy emotional weight, even if it was the correct course of action.
• The End of a Chapter: Even if a chapter was difficult, its ending can still bring a sense of melancholy or nostalgia.

The underlying message of the quote is:

• Emotions are complex: Our feelings don't always align perfectly with logic or what we "should" feel.
• Validation of all emotions: It's important to acknowledge and process all our emotions, even those that seem contradictory to a positive outcome.
• Self-compassion: Be kind to yourself when navigating difficult decisions and allow space for the emotional fallout, even if the choice was ultimately the right one.
• Focus on long-term benefit: The sadness might be a temporary feeling during a transition period that ultimately leads to a better future.

In essence, Andrew Zaffina's quote reminds us that making the right decision doesn't mean we're immune to sadness. It acknowledges the emotional complexity of change and loss, even when those changes are necessary and beneficial. It encourages self-awareness and self-compassion in navigating the often-difficult terrain of making choices that are right for us, even if they bring temporary pain. It's a comforting reminder that feeling sad doesn't negate the correctness of a decision.