Is anyone else exhausted by the relentless push for "toxic positivity" and "fake motivation"? It feels like we're being gaslit into believing that constant, unwavering happiness is the only acceptable state, and that even a hint of negativity is a failure. Now, we even have "delusional positivity" being touted as some kind of virtue.

Let me share a thought that I genuinely believed was common knowledge: we humans are imperfect beings. We are capable of both great good and significant flaws. This inherent duality is part of what makes us human. Undisturbed perfection? That sounds more like the realm of angels, if you believe in them. Even the concept of a divine creator sometimes includes the capacity for anger and the unleashing of difficult times upon humanity.

The real lesson here is the importance of acceptance. Life isn't always sunshine and rainbows. Bad things happen. You'll encounter difficult people. Negative thoughts will creep in. The key is not to pretend these things don't exist, but to acknowledge them, address them, and take action where necessary. Ignoring the negative is a recipe for a distorted view of reality.

While I'm generally considered a positive person in real life (despite my resting serious face!), and I too have been labelled "free-spirited" (a term whose meaning seems to have shifted, but that's a story for another day), I'm far from a saint and certainly not immune to the complexities of being human.

Think about language for a moment. We learn about antonyms – words with opposite meanings – early on. In marketing, we understand the power of both positive and negative words to influence emotions. The real skill in life is developing the maturity to feel the full range of these emotions, learn how to process them, and, if possible, articulate them effectively. A great way to do this? Write! Even if no one else ever reads it. Journaling is making a comeback for a reason – it's a powerful tool for self-understanding, something this whole blog, in a way, demonstrates.

There's a fantastic TED Talk dating few years ago that explores the vital role of so-called "negative" emotions. Feelings like fear, sadness, and anger aren't inherently bad; they provide valuable information and can contribute to our growth. Negative experiences can build resilience, guilt can foster self-awareness, and mistakes are our greatest teachers. This perspective is a far cry from the "just think positive" mantra of "The Secret" and the "power of manifesting." The crucial distinction is that those concepts often focus solely on individual will, while acknowledging the full spectrum of emotions and realities keeps us grounded in the real world.

I consider myself a realistically happy person. But trust me, my "free spirit" has definitely led me down some bumpy roads!

I'm a highly motivated person, but I also have days where I need to recharge. I strive for kindness, but I'm not afraid to express anger when necessary. I enjoy socialising but also cherish my alone time. I value honesty but also recognize the need for privacy. This is the balance of life – the interplay of contrasting forces. How many seemingly positive influencers have had shocking falls from grace? Often, it's due to a lack of realism, an inability to reconcile their curated positive image with the complexities of real life. I still practice gratitude, set goals, and use positive affirmations, but I do so with the awareness that things can go wrong (hello, Murphy's Law!). And as someone who believes in the interconnectedness of things, Newton's Third Law reminds us that for every action, there's a reaction – a principle that applies to energy and our interactions with the world.

So, let's be real. Constant forced motivation leads to burnout. Unending kindness can invite exploitation. A fake, overly positive self-image leads to a disconnect from reality and a lack of trust. Telling yourself everything will always be okay can leave you unprepared for the inevitable challenges life throws your way.

Moderation is key in all things. Finding contentment in the present moment is vital. And when things are tough, approach them practically – analyse the situation, create a plan, and remember that the beauty of this life is its authenticity, not some manufactured illusion. Honestly, sometimes it feels like this relentless push for positivity is a sign of a world that's lost its grip on reality.