105 | The Positivity Myth: How It's Holding You & Your Family Back

FULFILLMENT THERAPY - Marriage & Family Therapy, Self Mastery, Self Actualization, Unmet Needs, LDS Parent, Family Connection

Show Notes:

Join us as we explore the pitfalls of toxic positivity, and how the pressure to 'stay positive' can harm our mental health and strain our relationships. You’ll learn how to identify toxic positivity in yourselves and others, and find out how to embrace authentic emotions and cultivate genuine happiness. By challenging the culture of 'good vibes only,' we can create a more resilient family culture that fosters true connection and personal growth, leading us to a more fulfilling and purpose-driven life.

Enjoy!

-Kendra

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Toxic Positivity

• Definition of toxic positivity: The tendency to excessively focus on positive thinking and emotions, while invalidating or dismissing negative feelings and experiences.
• Toxic positivity can hinder emotional growth, suppress genuine emotions, and create unrealistic expectations.

Identifying Toxic Positivity:

• Signs and symptoms: Ignoring or minimizing negative emotions, pressure to always be happy, invalidating others' struggles, fear of expressing vulnerability.
• Real-life examples: “you’re okay” (when child is hurt), “we’re so blessed” (when family is experiencing major heartache), “you’re so lucky that you have food and clothes”, “you don’t know what hard is–think about how our ancestors lived”

MESSAGE: Your experience isn’t as valid as others. SHAME follows when anything except positive feelings are experienced.

• • Negative consequences of toxic positivity: Increased stress, feelings of inadequacy, difficulty processing emotions, strained relationships, and lack of authenticity.

• Toxic positivity may seem harmless, but it can deeply invalidate genuine emotions, hindering true connection and personal growth.

• Suppressing negative emotions doesn't make them disappear; it only buries them deeper, leading to unresolved conflicts and emotional distress.

Healing from Toxic Positivity:

• • Recognizing the need for balance: Embracing both positive and negative emotions as valid parts of the human experience.
  • Practicing self-compassion: Allowing oneself to feel and process emotions without judgment or criticism.

• Healing from toxic positivity starts with acknowledging that it's okay not to be okay. Give yourself permission to feel and express your emotions authentically.

• True healing begins when we validate our own experiences and extend compassion to ourselves, recognizing that all emotions have value and deserve acknowledgment.

Changing Family Culture:

• • Cultivating open communication: Encouraging honest conversations about emotions, struggles, and challenges within the family.
  • Fostering resilience: Teaching resilience as the ability to navigate both triumphs and setbacks with authenticity and grace.

• Shifting family culture requires creating a safe space where everyone's feelings are acknowledged and respected, fostering deeper connections and mutual understanding.

• Embracing a growth mindset means embracing the full spectrum of human emotions, allowing for growth and learning in times of adversity.

Personal and Family Fulfillment:

• • Embracing authenticity leads to deeper personal fulfillment and stronger family bonds.

• Authenticity fosters genuine connections and allows us to fully embrace our experiences, leading to greater fulfillment and joy in life.

• • By embracing our true selves and supporting each other authentically, families can thrive and individuals can reach their highest potential.