Episode 5: Toxic Positivity: The Pursuit of Unhappiness and a Better Way

Episode Description:Toxic Positivity: The Pursuit of Unhappiness and a Better Way explains what toxic positivity is and the damage it causes, particularly for those who have experienced trauma. We discuss why traditional positive thinking rarely works and how forced positivity can actually do more damage.We go discuss how getting to the root of negative thinking, learning to understand its origins, and befriending our thoughts and emotions is a more sustainable path to lasting peace and happiness. We discuss an easy five-step process for dealing with negative thoughts and emotions that can bring peace, healing, and happiness.Breakdown of Episode: 0:00   Intro to Episode and Theme5:58   Intro to Toxic Positivity9:32   What is Positive Thinking?15:30 What is Toxic Positivity?20:00 Getting to the Root of Negative Thinking 31:48 Why Chasing Happiness Doesn't Work37:25 What You Can Do Instead: Five Steps to Processing Your Emotions Bulleted List of ResourcesMayo Clinic: "Positive Thinking: Stop Negative Self-Talk to Reduce Stress"   https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/positive-thinking/art-20043950This source describes the positive health benefits of positive thinking and putting positive thinking into practice.Guideposts: "Is There a Such Thing as 'Toxic Positivity?'" by Holly Lebowitz Rossi https://www.guideposts.org/better-living/positive-living/is-there-such-a-thing-as-toxic-positivityThis source gives definitions and examples of toxic positivity so you can identify it in your own life."The Trauma Prayer" by Pat and Jim Banks from House of Healing MinistriesTrauma Prayer-Jim Bankshttps://jimandpatbanks.com/trauma-prayer/This source is a powerful prayer that helps you to heal the roots of trauma."Vanishing Time in the Pursuit of Happiness" by Sam J. Maglio, Psychonomic Bulletin and Reviewhttps://link.springer.com/article/10.3758/s13423-018-1436-7This article discusses how desperately pursuing happiness will make you more unhappy, if there's fear behind the pursuit. It also discusses how the desperate pursuit of happiness actually reduces "feelings of time availability" and feelings of happiness."Forget Positive Thinking: This is How to Actually Change Negative Thoughts for Success" by Melody Wilding in Forbes Magazinehttps://www.forbes.com/sites/melodywilding/2016/08/15/forget-positive-thinking-this-is-how-you-actually-change-negative-thoughts/?sh=fc56b9c6c462This article discusses using self-talk to help you reframe your thinking, and how this reframing can create more authentic success with your thought patterns. "Four Ways to Avoid Toxic Positivity and Lean into Emotional Acceptance" by Haley Goldberghttps://advice.theshineapp.com/articles/4-ways-to-avoid-toxic-positivity-and-lean-into-emotional-acceptance/This article discusses how accepting your emotions, applying self-compassion, trying something called "deep acting" to be more authentic, and journaling allow you to create happiness and positivity in sustainable ways. Christian Emotional Recovery ResourcesPodcast WebsiteAccess Episodes, Get Free Resources, and MoreFacebook GroupJoin Community, Get Support, and Get Weekly EncouragementYouTube ChannelSubscribe for Exclusive Material Not on PodcastChristian Emotional Recovery StoreGet meditations, infographics, journals, and other resources for your healing journeyTrauma SurvivorsCheck out Resources Page for Trauma SurvivorsEmail ListGet updates on episodes, platform, resources, and productsFree ResourceFree Visual A.C.O.R.N Resource to Heal Difficult EmotionsDonate Monthly Through PatreonHelp More Trauma Survivors Through This Ministry  ...