I found that emotions are easier to accept when I stop identifying with them. Instead, I just see them as something that comes and goes. But whatever emotion exists within me does have something to say, and it's easier to get that information when I'm not judging how I'm feeling.

Just like if I see myself as a happy person, I would shame myself when I'm not. That shame would get in the way of me understanding why I feel "bad". So I think the key is be at peace with however we feel, and not judge or identify with it. That way we can respond to what we're feeling and why we're feeling it instead of being taken for a ride by the emotions.