Can being “Positive” feel Forced?

We are in a world where there is a lot of negativity. Staying positive is the new trend. As much as it sounds good, sometimes it may feel forced. The very pressure of staying positive becomes a bit much when it isn’t like that in their real world. There is this one gift of life where one should feel just as they do, instead of what others want them to. 

What is forced or toxic positivity?

 

Forced positivity is the thought that people dealing with a disease need to continually portray themselves in an optimistic mood or light, and that thinking “on the bright side” will help with the hurt. This is awfully common on social media where people are anticipated to only show the good side of their lives.

 

The term 'toxic positivity' refers to the idea that focusing on the alleged positive emotions and reject anything that may activate negative emotions is the right way to live a life. 

 

The pressured feeling

 

This kind of feeling also depends on person to person. But for many, it’s turning out to be a false notion. When others are telling you to believe in the power of now, it sometimes backfires on the person. They are going through so much, that it may not be applicable. 

 

How to deal with it?

 

While it is the common way to deal with situations, by seeing the brighter side of every situation, sometimes feeling the way you do is the best. It is a way to vent out. They are real feelings that one should acknowledge rather than having forced, maybe, a delusional, concept. The emotional intelligence is too rightfully being angry for a while, if you must and then take actions- whether you feel positive or negative. The point is not to sit on it and take action. 

 

There is a common good in positivity. Studies have shown that people do improve if you think like that. Our brain is constantly observing the emotional tone of your thoughts—too many pessimistic thoughts and your brain react by creating stress and grief in your body. When you add more optimistic thoughts, your brain will produce relaxation and happiness.

 

A spiritual being is having to live with however you feel. If something is forced on you, it is not the kind of living one wants. And it goes the same goes for your emotional state. They are the most natural thing that makes us who we are.