Beware of TOXIC POSITIVITY

One of the cultural norms we saw exacerbated by the pandemic — and especially as we started to come out of it — is the overemphasis on and pressure to be positive.

You all remember those 2020 phrases:

"Oh, how wonderful you can be home and spend this time with your kids" or "It's so great how much more productive I can be now."

Don't get me wrong. We need to find joy and anchor on the positive aspects of our lives, especially during a crisis. But the pressure to be "fine" and have it together all of the time can lead to "toxic positivity."

WHAT IS "TOXIC POSITIVITY"?

It's the…

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Stop Pretending To Be Someone Else

PRETENDING TO BE SOMEONE YOU AREN’T IS A MISERABLE EXISTENCE.

The fear of being seen is overwhelming.

We spend years hiding our true selves — making sure that no one can see our flaws — real or perceived. The idea of letting anyone in is frightening.

What will they think of me?

Will they judge me?

Will they leave?

Our shame leads us to believe the only outcome is pain, rejection, and loneliness. Why? Because…

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Accept It. You're not fine. And that's okay.

Radical acceptance is one of the most powerful processes in the human experience.

Learning to control the things that are actually ours to own — what we say and do, the choices we make in response to the people and experiences around us, how we frame our lives — and letting go of the things that aren’t — external validation and acceptance, what someone else thinks or does, what may or may not happen in the future — is incredibly challenging.

Especially when shame is constantly trying to sidestep your focus to anchor on everything outside of yourself, leaving you justifying, rationalizing, complaining and anchoring on “someday” and “It’s not that bad” fantasies.

I get it; it’s scary to focus our attention on things we can actually do something about. The fear is real and screaming in your face.

And, radical acceptance — nothing will change until you change your positioning.

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