Positive Mindset vs. Toxic Positivity

Turn that frown upside down. Always look on the bright side of life. Ok, but did you die?

In some way, each of these phrases are positive. But when does a positive mindset turn into toxic positivity? Is there even a difference?

A positive mindset is seeing the world with a glass is half full mentality. A person with a positive mindset is able to be optimistic and hopeful during challenging situations. They can recognize and acknowledge difficult emotions people go through while making the conscious decision to focus on potential solutions or positive aspects of a situation. This mindset encourages resilience and strength with a forward-looking perspective that does not ignore or deny the emotional complexities of life.

Another term I like to use for having a positive mindset is being realistically positive. Someone who is positive and realistic sees and acknowledges that challenges, setbacks, and negative emotions are a part of life. However, when these things happen, they try to focus on gratitude, hope, and any lessons that come with those experiences.

Toxic positivity is taking these concepts to the extreme, ignoring emotions, and striving for constant positivity. This positivity is excessive, dismissive, and inappropriate. Toxic positivity denies negative emotions, encouraging people to suppress their negative emotions so that they only feel happiness or optimism.

This is unrealistic positivity. With toxic positivity, there is no room for real, human emotions like grief or fear.

Difficult emotions are unavoidable and embracing them allows us to grow. True positivity comes from recognizing the full spectrum of the human experience, not burying it. A positive mindset lets us move forward with hope while honoring the emotions that make us human.

What are some phrases people have said to you that SCREAM toxic positivity?

_{((Cover photo: Photo by Jordan Whitfield on Unsplash))}