Toxic Positivity is a Mother

Toxic positivity is a Mother! It’s a topic that most of us can probably relate to as Western society has ingrained in us that we should be “likable” and aim to be positive all the time. An important disclaimer: we are by no means anti-positivity. We recognize the importance of creating space for all emotions. Sometimes life is hard, and to overcome challenges we need to acknowledge them, and take appropriate action to work through them, authentically. 

In episode 16 of ___ Is a Mother, we discuss why making space for all emotions is important to avoid “toxic positivity”, and paying attention to the language we use when encouraging ourselves, others, and children. Some of the talking points we go over in this episode include:

• The toxic positivity we experienced when trying to get pregnant, and during Jamie’s cancer journey.
• Toxic positivity, although well-intended, can minimize people’s struggles and close the door to connection.  
• The toxic positivity we unintentionally pass onto our children by rewarding happy behaviors and failing to consider the implications of affirmations that aren’t rooted in values, feasibility, and action. 
• Aligning our authentic selves and our social (influenced) selves can help us live with purpose.

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please share on Instagram and tag us! Follow, rate, and review the podcast, and tell us your key takeaways. If there are topics you would like us to discuss in a future episode, we’re all ears. Thanks for being part of our inner circle and an important part of this community. Go call your best friend!

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LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

The Momwell Podcast Ep. 145: How to deal with toxic positivity as a Mom with Whitney Goodman, Marriage and Family Therapist

Toxic Positivity by Dr. Whitney Goodman

Libby - link your local library card membership number!

Finding Your Own North Star by Martha Beck