Some musings on toxic positivity…
There is so much personal power to be gained from adopting a realistic and rational approach to the ups and downs of life. Sometimes situations are just difficult, trying and unfair. That is life - real life. I don’t think there is anything wrong with acknowledging that sometimes circumstances are just categorically bad. The world has been through so much these past few years- a global pandemic, geopolitical conflict, the lingering mental health impacts of lockdowns. It has been undeniably hard for so many people who are now confronted with the cost of living crisis. Gallivanting around pretending all is wonderful and well is so invalidating to people. I find the toxic positivity that is often perpetuated by the personal development industry to be distasteful and bordering on delusional at times. Especially slogans like “good vibes only”- how exclusionary! It would be more useful to equip a person with distress tolerance skills to ride out the inevitable adversities that life presents us with, rather than riot-hosing people with aspirational content and Pinterest quotes.
Perhaps an unpopular view, but I actually appreciate Lydia’s Ibiza history, I feel it shows some varied life experience. More broadly, I don’t think there is anything to be ashamed of in having been a dancer or related occupations, so long as the circumstances are ethical, consensual and safe.
Oh, there was a comment made on the video by some senseless imbecile saying they had no sympathy for people on benefits who couldn’t afford heating. That is such a cruel and elitist remark to make. There is no shame in accessing government support, these provisions exist to support people who have experienced difficult circumstances and hardships beyond their control. It’s reprehensible to insinuate some degree of personal failure among individuals accessing support at this challenging time.