Toxic Positivity

For a long time, I resisted things like yoga, meditation, and gratitude practice because there was a stigma attached to people who practiced mindfulness. They were often considered flaky and out of touch.

But when I started having back issues and my usual strategies—ignoring it until it went away or having it dismissed by a doctor—weren’t working, a friend suggested a couple of yoga poses. I was shocked to feel the difference right away. My mind opened to the possibility of mindfulness practices.

The truth is that yoga, meditation, and other mindfulness exercises are skills. They need to be repeated and practiced regularly. They create a better inner world, which allows for a more functional me in the outer world.

There’s still a dismissal of these practices, often labeled as “toxic positivity.” But mindful practices aren’t about ignoring reality—they’re about developing the tools to cope with life better.

Let people roll their eyes. I probably rolled my eyes through my first few lessons too. Embracing these practices has brought significant positive changes to my life.

ACTION: Take one minute to practice gratitude. Find a comfortable spot, close your eyes, and think of three things you’re thankful for today. It could be something as simple as your morning coffee, a joke that made you laugh, or a peaceful moment. This tiny exercise can help shift your mindset and set a positive tone for your day.