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Toxic Positivity

How to embrace every emotion in a happy-obsessed world

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Toxic Positivity

By: Whitney Goodman
Narrated by: Whitney Goodman
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Buy Now for £14.35

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About this listen

 'I really felt like I came away with a new perspective. This book will make you want to bin your gratitude journal in the best possible way' Stylist

'This trailblazing book will help you transform your perspective about positivity' Nedra Glover Tawwab, bestselling author of Set Boundaries, Find Peace

'Finally a book that explains exactly why 'positivity at all costs' backfires, and teaches us how to process our pain instead of pretending it doesn't exist.' Caroline Dooner, author of The F*uck It Diet

'The counterbalance to a world that preaches 'look on the bright side' whenever life gets tough' Elizabeth Earnshaw, relationship expert and author of I Want This To Work

Every day, we're bombarded with pressure to be positive. From 'good vibes only' and 'life is good' memes, to endless advice, to 'look on the bright side,' we're constantly told that the key to happiness is silencing negativity wherever it crops up, in ourselves and in others. Even when faced with illness, loss, breakups, and other challenges, there's little space for talking about our real feelings-and processing them so that we can feel better and move forward.

But if all this positivity is the answer, why are so many of us anxious, depressed, and burned out?

In this refreshingly honest guide, sought-after therapist Whitney Goodman shares the latest research along with everyday examples and client stories that reveal how damaging toxic positivity is to ourselves and our relationships, and presents simple ways to experience and work through difficult emotions. The result is more authenticity, connection, and growth - and ultimately, a path to showing up as you truly are. Emotions Personal Development Psychology Psychology & Mental Health Relationships Self-Esteem Mental Health Health
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The author of this book beautifully explains the concept of toxic positivity, with real life examples and what could have been better said in that moment. She reiterates a few times that this is not a war on being positive, which I found really important. It’s about when being positive is not the correct response. I would recommend this to anyone that is either trying to be positive all the time, someone that thinks they manifest bad times, or just anyone that is a human being that interacts with other human beings. A must read.

Thought provoking

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A refreshing take on positivity with realism and compassion. With tools tips and reminders that are not designed to overload the listener with endisss to do lists

A refreshing review of positivity and how to harness it to best effect

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I wish I'd found this book 15 years earlier. Whilst I've definitely got a degree of confirmation bias about its content, I've found the guidance to be real world applicable to help me be more effective with helping and leading people in my job.
The are a few (very much in the minority) sections of the book that I disagree with as they risk being ideological (sometimes it's good to be positive), but overall I strongly agree with the ideas it sets out. Worth a listen.

A refreshingly different perspective about how to make a difference without violating your own style.

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A very shallow book filled with lists. I found the narration very flat and her accent cloying.

Annoying narration and common sense

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