Excellent essay! The first step in solving a problem is seeing and naming it. Toxic positivity doesn't allow that first step, so problems can't be solved.
"Toxic positivity, a step up from denial, is optimism on steroids." I've never even heard of this expression or that it's a 'thing.' Now I'm going to have to go back to the therapist and talk about it... I'm certain I was delusional, and may have 'left-overs' from this way of thinking. This read a a big eye-opener and one I need to reread and think about.
I was always of the mindset that I hoped for the best but prepared for the worst—and of course was always accused of being negative—and at some point changed over (I suspect) to this toxic positivity business. Ha, just when I thought I had it figured out.
But I grew with an optimistic mum and dad - not sweetly so but that there's always light at the end of the tunnel. And my parents had quite a few awful setbacks in their lives, but they stuck to each other in love, like glue.
So I'm more of a glass half-full person. It may be why I love gardening and nature so much, because if ever hope can be seen in action, it's the seasons passing through. Things are seeded, they sprout, they grow, they die in a perpetual, hopeful and reassuring cycle - elemental.
I have to believe in hope because my son was diagnosed with an untreatable and rare lung disease last year and it's taught us all that life is truly there for the taking. Make it work for you!
Excellent essay! The first step in solving a problem is seeing and naming it. Toxic positivity doesn't allow that first step, so problems can't be solved.
"Toxic positivity, a step up from denial, is optimism on steroids." I've never even heard of this expression or that it's a 'thing.' Now I'm going to have to go back to the therapist and talk about it... I'm certain I was delusional, and may have 'left-overs' from this way of thinking. This read a a big eye-opener and one I need to reread and think about.
I was always of the mindset that I hoped for the best but prepared for the worst—and of course was always accused of being negative—and at some point changed over (I suspect) to this toxic positivity business. Ha, just when I thought I had it figured out.
Thoughts to consider in your post for sure.
But I grew with an optimistic mum and dad - not sweetly so but that there's always light at the end of the tunnel. And my parents had quite a few awful setbacks in their lives, but they stuck to each other in love, like glue.
So I'm more of a glass half-full person. It may be why I love gardening and nature so much, because if ever hope can be seen in action, it's the seasons passing through. Things are seeded, they sprout, they grow, they die in a perpetual, hopeful and reassuring cycle - elemental.
I have to believe in hope because my son was diagnosed with an untreatable and rare lung disease last year and it's taught us all that life is truly there for the taking. Make it work for you!
What an interesting post! I loved it. Thanks for sharing and I’m glad you were able to gain the confidence to leave and prioritise yourself. 🥰