Toxic Positivity !!

Have you heard about this before? I don’t really remember where I read this phrase before, but it was confusing. It really bothered me, so I did some research and wanted to share these questions; What is Toxic positivity? Why it exists? how to avoid it? And What is the alternative?

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✨Understanding Toxic Positivity: The Dark Side of Positivity ✨

Have you ever been told to “just think positive” or “look on the bright side” when you were going through a tough time? While positivity can be a powerful tool, there is a concept called “Toxic Positivity” that we need to be aware of.

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Toxic positivity refers to the excessive and unrealistic pressure to maintain a positive mindset at all times, even when it’s not healthy or authentic.

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Please read it again!; the excessive and unrealistic pressure to maintain a positive mindset at all times, even when it’s not healthy or authentic

🌱 Why Does It Exist?

Toxic positivity often stems from social expectations and the fear of facing negative emotions. We live in a culture that values happiness and success. So we tend to overlook the importance of acknowledging and processing our true feelings. The pressure to ‘always be positive’ can lead to suppressing emotions, invalidating others’ experiences, and creating an environment where genuine emotional growth is obstructed.

🚫 How to Avoid Toxic Positivity?

1️⃣ Emotional Authenticity: We should allow ourselves and others to experience a full range of emotions without judgment. It’s okay to feel sad, angry, or frustrated. Acknowledging and accepting these emotions is a crucial step towards personal growth and healing. How difficult is that?

2️⃣ Active Listening: When people share their struggles or negative experiences, we should avoid dismissing or minimising their feelings. Instead, we should offer empathy, understanding, and a safe space for them to express themselves without judgment. How easy is that nowadays?

3️⃣ Healthy Expression: We should encourage open conversations about emotions and create an environment where people feel comfortable sharing their true feelings. This does encourage genuine connections and supports emotional well-being. How healthy is that?

4️⃣ Self-Compassion: Let’s be kind and allow ourselves to experience and process our own emotions. We should practice self-care, seek support when needed, and remember that it’s sometimes OK to not always be positive. Isn’t that right?

🌟 The Alternative: Balanced Positivity 🌟

If that is the case, then let’s substitute the ‘toxic positivity’ with ‘Balanced Positivity‘ where we acknowledge that life is a mix of ups and downs, and it’s OK to experience both positive and negative emotions. This actually encourages genuine optimism in the middle of recognised challenges. It is alway better to embrace a balanced approach in our lives in order to create an authentic space for ourselves.

Let’s also remember, it’s essential to be kind to ourselves and others, allowing space for all emotions to be acknowledged and validated. Let’s foster a culture of balanced and authentic positivity rather than fooling ourselves with a fake one!

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