Embracing the Ups & Downs: The Power of Authenticity over Toxic Positivity

At SunKiss, we believe that being positive is important, but not at the expense of our true feelings. In this article, we'll explore the dangers of toxic positivity and how to stay authentic even when life gets tough.

Join us on this journey of self-awareness and compassion as we learn to navigate life's challenges with grace and resilience.

Photo by Wix

Have you ever been told to "stay positive" when when life seems to be throwing lemons at you left and right? While positivity is important, there's a fine line between genuine positivity and toxic positivity. Toxic positivity is when we try to suppress our negative emotions and put on a fake smile, ignoring our true feelings. But this approach can actually be harmful in the long run.

At SunKiss, we believe in living life to the fullest, and that means embracing all the ups and downs that come our way. It's okay to admit that things aren't always great and that we're struggling. Instead of denying our feelings, we need to acknowledge and accept them. Only then can we work through our challenges and grow emotionally stronger.

So, how can we avoid toxic positivity and stay authentic?

Tip #1 - Be Honest

Firstly, let's practice mindfulness and self-awareness. Be honest with yourself about your emotions and recognize when you're feeling overwhelmed. It's okay to ask for help and reach out to loved ones for support. Talking to a trusted friend or therapist can be incredibly helpful.

Tip #2 - Build Resilience

Secondly, let's focus on finding solutions to our problems instead of ignoring them. We can learn from our mistakes and failures and use them as opportunities to learn and grow. Building emotional resilience takes time, but it's worth it in the long run.

Reflecting his mindset of persistence and determination in the face of failure Thomas Edison once said:

"I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work"

This quote is a reminder that failure is not the end, but rather a part of the journey towards success. It encourages us to view our failures as opportunities to learn and grow, rather than sources of discouragement.

Photo by Wix

Tip #3 - Embrace Authenticity

So, keep spreading positivity, but remember to stay true to yourself and embrace all your emotions, both good and bad. With a little bit of self-awareness and compassion, we can all navigate life's ups and downs with grace and authenticity.

If you are interested in further reading on the subject, here are some recommended resources:

“Toxic Positivity in Psychology: Examples & Research Findings”, positive psychology.com by Tiffany Sauber Millacci, Ph.D, https://positivepsychology.com/toxic-positivity-in-psychology/

“The Problem with Toxic Positivity,” Verywell Mind, https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-toxic-positivity-5093958

"The Power of Vulnerability" by Brené Brown: This TED talk discusses the importance of vulnerability and how embracing our emotions, both positive and negative, can lead to greater connections with others and a more fulfilling life.

"The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck" by Mark Manson: This book challenges the idea that positivity is always the answer and offers a counter-intuitive approach to self-improvement based on accepting and embracing our limitations and struggles.

"Emotional Agility: Get Unstuck, Embrace Change, and Thrive in Work and Life" by Susan David: This book offers a practical guide to managing emotions and avoiding toxic positivity by embracing authenticity, flexibility, and compassion.

"The Happiness Trap" by Russ Harris: This book uses acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) to help readers overcome negative thoughts and emotions by accepting them rather than trying to suppress them.

"Untamed" by Glennon Doyle: This memoir discusses the importance of embracing one's true self, including all of the messy and difficult emotions that come with it.

These resources can help you better understand the concept of toxic positivity and provide you with practical tips for embracing authenticity, self-awareness, and compassion.