or "Why grumpy cat is so popular: sometimes you can't 'out think' bad days"

Now I know that "Grumpy Cat," a lovely little kitty named Tardar Sauce, isn't actually grumpy but simply has a face shape that looks that way. However she makes a wonderful stand-in for us on those bad, frustrating days where we just want to growl at everyone. In a culture that is constantly trying to tell us to "be happy," "smile," or "look on the bright side," it is important to remember that it is okay to be sad, be grumpy, be angry, or not feel good. We shouldn't have to maintain a happy front day in and day out regardless of how we feel. And while laughing and smiling can make you feel better, they need to be genuine in order to work. Forcing a smile or laugh just pisses you off all the more, and often makes you feel more brittle than you already felt.
( Warning: Start of seriously long rant; may contain mentions of health issues, chronic illness treatment, depression, anger, childhood trauma )

Now I know that "Grumpy Cat," a lovely little kitty named Tardar Sauce, isn't actually grumpy but simply has a face shape that looks that way. However she makes a wonderful stand-in for us on those bad, frustrating days where we just want to growl at everyone. In a culture that is constantly trying to tell us to "be happy," "smile," or "look on the bright side," it is important to remember that it is okay to be sad, be grumpy, be angry, or not feel good. We shouldn't have to maintain a happy front day in and day out regardless of how we feel. And while laughing and smiling can make you feel better, they need to be genuine in order to work. Forcing a smile or laugh just pisses you off all the more, and often makes you feel more brittle than you already felt.
( Warning: Start of seriously long rant; may contain mentions of health issues, chronic illness treatment, depression, anger, childhood trauma )