The document discusses the concept of toxic positivity, emphasizing that constant positivity can lead to emotional denial and isolation. It encourages individuals to acknowledge their negative emotions as a natural part of being human and to seek support from others when needed. The author highlights the importance of validation, personal connection, and continuous learning in navigating emotional struggles.

1. TOXIC
POSITIVITY

2. When does POSITIVITY
become TOXIC?
we overgeneralise that we need to be in a happy and
positive state 24/7
we deny all our negative emotions and not willing or
knowing how to experience, validate and navigate
those emotions.
we judge ourselves for not being positive.
we compare ourselves with others based on social
media post thinking that everyone is positive all the
time.
we are not willing to seek for help and trying to
handle ourselves independently.
when :

3. Just keep smiling, stay
positive.
Everything happens for a
reason.
Failure is not an option.
Always seek the bright
side of life.
It could be worse.
Toxic
Positivity
It's ok to be upset and cry. We
are humans.
It's ok to feel bad sometimes.
Failure is part of growth.
It is difficult to see the bright
side of life when we hot
rockbottom. We'll make
sense when we can.
Sh*t happens.
Validation &
Hope

4. It covers up or silence the
human experience.
it gets us into a state of denial
or supressed emotions.
It will lead to isolation, when
what is most important is
connection.
The damage
from Toxic
Positivity we acknowledge and validate all
emotional experience without
shame.
we will be at peace with ourselves ;
the struggle, the negative emotions
and situations.
we will have greater mental clarity to
think on how to get out of adversity
and be comfortable in reaching out
to others.
How is validation
& hope different?

6. BE MINDFUL
with your own
conversation with
yourself
BE MINDFUL
when giving support
to your friends.
So what
should I
do?

7. REACH OUT &
CONNECT
Seek help at the
right place if your
friends are unable
to help.
ACKNOWLEDGE
THE PAIN
It's part and parcel of
being human.
COMMIT TO
CONTINOUS
LEARNING
Lessons are in
abundance, go and
get them.
TAKE 1 DAY AT
TIME & HAVE
FAITH
Don't rush things
out and have faith
that there will be a
way out.

8. Everything worthwhile in life is won through surmounting the
associated negative experience. Any attempt to escape the
negative, to avoid it or quash it or silence it, only backfires. The
avoidance of suffering is a form of suffering. The avoidance of
struggle is a struggle. The denial of failure is a failure. Hiding what
is shameful is itself a form of shame.
Mark Manson, The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck: A Counterintuitive Approach to Living
a Good Life.

9. For more posts on
Mindfulness, Emotional
Intelligence and
Communication, follow
me on Linkedin
Shadaitul Intan M Zin