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It’s Okay to Feel Bad - Stay Away From Toxic Positivity

There is such a thing as being too positive

Andy Brown

Nov 05, 2019

East Carolina University

142

It’s Okay to Feel Bad - Stay Away From Toxic Positivity

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Believe it or not, there is such a thing as being too positive. "Good vibes only," "keep your chin up," and "things will get better," are all common phrases tossed around when people are at their lowest of lows. The problem is, there are some people who take that mentality to the next level, and refuse to acknowledge the non-silver lining to any cloud. By shucking off the negative feelings, those folks surround themselves with toxic positivity, which you should absolutely stay away from.

"Toxic positivity" refers to the idea that staying positive, and always looking on the bright side of things, is the only correct way to be. You see toxic positivity manifests itself more and more these days, with the advent of wholesome culture and memes taking over. These images take the form of sickly-sweet jokes and comics that always have a positive twist. Over time, these images create a Pleasantville kind of effect that can be alienating if you are not right there with them.

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While acting nice and being nice is always welcome, the truth is it is ok to feel bad. Many times, our lowest moments can lead to our biggest life changes, our biggest failures can help us reach our best achievements, and our L's can become our most important lessons.

Succumbing to toxic positivity can be a slippery slope. By ignoring your down feelings, you stop paying attention to them. Though they are not at the forefront of your mind, they are still there, deep down inside, bubbling up. It is only a matter of time before they all come boiling up to the top and your good vibes come crashing down.

Positively Present - Still Be Positive

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My best advice is to embrace your low moments, but do not let them define you. Toxic positivity is pretending nothing bad ever happens, but that just isn't how life works. When bad things happen, soak them up, learn from your mistakes, and move on - and if you see someone else stuck in a rut, let them work it out, but help them if they need it.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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It’s Okay to Feel Bad - Stay Away From Toxic Positivity

There is such a thing as being too positive

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The Best Lines from the Fab Four

And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make

The sun is up, the sky is blue, it's beautiful and so are you

Love is old, love is new, love is all, love is you

There's nowhere you can be that isn't where you're meant to be

Life is very short, and there's no time for fussing and fighting, my friend

He say, "I know you, you know me", One thing I can tell you is you got to be free

Oh please, say to me, You'll let me be your man. And please say to me, You'll let me hold your hand

It was twenty years ago today, Sgt. Pepper taught the band to play. They've been going in and out of style, but they're guaranteed to raise a smile

Living is easy with eyes closed, misunderstanding all you see

Can you hear me? When it rains and shine, it's just a state of mind

Little darling, it's been long cold lonely winter. Little darling, it feels like years since it' s been here. Here comes the sun, Here comes the sun, and I say it's alright

We danced through the night and we held each other tight, and before too long I fell in love with her. Now, I'll never dance with another when I saw her standing there

I love you, I love you, I love you, that's all I want to say

You say you want a revolution. Well you know, we all want to change the world

All the lonely people, where do they all come from. All the lonely people, where do they all belong

Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends

Hey Jude, don't make it bad. Take a sad song and make it better

Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away. Now it looks as though they're here to stay. Oh, I believe in yesterday

And when the brokenhearted people, living in the world agree, there will be an answer, let it be.

And anytime you feel the pain, Hey Jude, refrain. Don't carry the world upon your shoulders

I'll give you all I got to give if you say you'll love me too. I may not have a lot to give but what I got I'll give to you. I don't care too much for money. Money can't buy me love

All you need is love, love is all you need

Whisper words of wisdom, let it be

Blackbird singing in the dead of night, Take these broken wings and learn to fly. All your life, You were only waiting for this moment to arise

Though I know I'll never lose affection, for people and things that went before. I know I'll often stop and think about them. In my life, I love you more

Obviously the best superpower.

There have been many lessons learned.

1. The importance of traditions.

2. How to be thankful for family and friends.

3. How to give back.

4. What the word "community" really means.

5. That it isn't about the destination, but the journey.

6. The consequences of making bad choices.

7. To trust people, until you have a reason not to.

8. To be welcoming and accepting of everyone.

9. How to be my own, individual person.

10. How to work for what I want.

11. How to be great at giving directions.

12. How to be humble.

13. To be well-rounded.

14. How to be great at conflict resolution.

15. The beauty of getting outside and exploring.

16. To be prepared for anything.

17. That you don't always have to do it alone.

18. How to be creative.

19. To brush off gossip.

I have never been so thankful to know you.

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

Don't freak out

Email the professor

Attend the first class

Keep attending class

Have a backup plan

Remember that everything works out at the end

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