How to be a Positive Thinker: Without the Unicorns & Rainbows
Original blog post on “A Chronic Voice”
In the blog post "How to Be a Positive Thinker: Without the Unicorns & Rainbows" from A Chronic Voice, the author discusses the concept of authentic positive thinking, especially in the context of chronic illness. They express a dislike for superficial positivity, often termed 'toxic positivity,' which ignores underlying issues and serves as a form of escapism. Instead, the author advocates for acknowledging negative feelings and reframing perspectives to foster genuine positivity. For instance, transforming the thought "today is a bad day" into "today is a good day for resting" can alleviate feelings of guilt and frustration. This approach emphasizes embracing reality and finding constructive ways to cope, rather than forcing a falsely positive outlook.