For what it's worth- from someone with crappy self esteem yet strong opinions on emotions....
I feel that it's very damaging to try to Force ourselves to change how we feel, that is to impose our thoughts onto our feelings. I cling to the notion that if we honor and express (safely!) all of our emotions, even the ones we don't like, we stand a chance to heal and evolve them naturally. I think that emotions have gotten so twisted, unappealing and dangerous at times becuse they have not been allowed expression and have build up too much charge.

Of course, having said that- I'm a mess, but one thing I know for sure- I like myself more when I actually give my emotions some space to move. I feel more tender towards myself then........

I'm brand-spanking new here and nervous about voicing opinion, but holding my nose and jumping in!

J