The Trap of Positivity

On my Personal Journey to Self -Transformation and Self-Growth, I found myself in a predicament of my constant need to remain positive. My daily routine began with meditation, Prayer, a Gratitude practice and positive affirmations, and It brought me a profound sense of well-being. It just felt right.

Even in the face of challenging economic conditions and sudden changes that occurred during the year, I persisted in wearing a smile, nurturing a positive outlook and discovering contentment. In essence, I was living the life of a genuinely positive person. However, as time passed, I couldn't help but wonder whether this unwavering positivity was the ultimate answer to confront life's adversities and overcome its challenges?

Our society has us convinced through a wealth of motivational songs, books, and social media influencers that one must think positively and visualize attracting what we need. By embracing absolute positivity, we hope to attract a soulmate, manifest wealth and abundance, and achieve all our personal and professional goals . As we progress through life, we naturally build expectations and have desires, but we stumble into a pitfall when we become overly attached to a specific outcome.

Achieving big dreams and setting ambitious goals can be a powerful source of positivity, but its essential to recognize that positivity alone may have its limitations. Life can be unpredictable, and despite our best efforts and diligent planning, there are times where things won't go as planned. While we experience joyful moments, we must also confront pain and adversity. Real- life challenges, such as coping with the loss of a loved one, navigating the end of a relationship or friendship can be emotionally draining. Additionally, a major economic crisis, job loss, Physical injuries, natural disasters, and acts of Terror and war serve as harsh reminders of the unpredictable nature of life.

When we invest our hearts and minds in the power of positive thinking, even a minor setback can catch us off guard, making it challenging to come in to terms with our new reality. However mindfulness with acceptance, teaches use to embrace our reality as it is, Opening ourselves to the inevitable high's and lows in life.

So in moments of struggle and adversity, remind yourself to;

• Breathe Mindfully: Take a few deep breaths and exhale slowly, take as much as time as you need. The discomfort and pain does not last forever.
• Love yourself enough to be compassionate toward the rush of emotions you experience. It's not about feeling sorry for yourself but engaging in an active self-care process of recognizing, allowing, investigating, and nurturing oneself through times of adversity. Suppressing emotions is like a dormant volcano, quietly building pressure until it erupts.
• Talk to someone you trust or can rely on to lend a listening ear. If you prefer to seek professional support or counselling , consider consulting a life coach or Psychologist/therapist.
• Nurture your inner strength. For those with a spiritual inclination, pursuing spiritual guidance can offer comfort and cultivate inner peace.
• Give yourself permission to grieve. This is vital to the healing process.
• Declutter your social media following, especially if you're overwhelmed by an abundance of positivity and motivational content.
• Not compare your life to the idealized expectations of your influencers who appear to have perfect lives. Remember that influencers and mentors, just like everyone else, are human, and life happens to them as well. They also experience setbacks in their lives.
• Keep in mind that If you find yourself emotionally distressed and are having difficulty managing your work, don't hesitate to approach your supervisor for an open and honest conversation. Let them know whether it's a temporary setback or if you require support from your team to navigate through it.

It's healthy to maintain a positive outlook on life, but positivity alone is not enough to sustain us; It is our ability to overcome difficulties that truly anchor us. The concept of impermanence can be daunting; the rise and fall of our positive thinking becomes evident during difficult times. In those moments of fear, discomfort, or uncertainty, we must remind ourselves that everything in life is in a constant state of change. Practicing Acceptance teaches us to be present when difficulties arise, enabling us to embrace all aspects of our journey.

"I always try to look on the Optimistic side of life, but I'm realistic enough to know that life is a complex matter." Walt Disney