Why Positivity Isn't About Being Happy

All the Time

There is a misconception about positivity and that it means you have to be happy all of the time. Smile through everything no matter how bad or hard life is getting. Ignore the pain and bad things.

But that's not what positivity means.

Often people who exhibit toxic positivity push the narrative to be happy, sunshine and rainbows all of the time. Mind you, being happy isn't a bad thing, it's great actually. But the reason why positivity isn't about being happy all of the time, is simply put that happiness is a mood or emotion but positivity is a mindset. You can choose your mindset. You can persevere and push through the hard times with a positive mindset even if you are experiencing negative situations and emotions like sadness, fear or anger. Having a positive mindset is like setting your course towards your end goal, the emotions you experience are just signals and reactions to obstacles that are there for you to over come.

It's important to understand the difference between happiness and positivity because although they are similar, they are different. It's like using the same color and shade of a chalk and a marker. The ink from the marker is set once it hits the paper but the chalk isn't. If you let your emotions run your life you'll run in circles. Like sailing a ship after a butterfly. Constantly getting lost because the directions constantly change, fade, or smear like the chalk. Yet by setting your course to a star, your goal, you can navigate around the rocks, eddies and storms in your path. It doesn't waver. A positive mindset is long term with decision and control, reframing challenges, and seeking growth even in difficulties. While happiness is an emotion, that is short term which comes and goes.

It's important to implement this in your daily life because running your life simply on the basis of your emotions, you have no set direction. There is no order or peace because you relinquish the helm and let your emotions steer. If you have the idea that you have to be happy to achieve your goal or to manifest what you want in life, then your manifestations will waiver, always. By adopting a positive mindset it allows you to experience the your emotions in life while not pulling you off course and losing control. Choosing a positive mindset can help navigate the negative stuff quicker and easier. You're less likely to spiral in the negative. Allowing emotions to guide you, you will have no clear direction. Also, chasing happiness is like chasing butterflies, fleeting and unpredictable. Chasing a star and choosing a positive mindset allows you to see the bigger picture, find the silver linings, and continue on your course.

Tools for Practicing Positivity

Gratitude journaling
Reframing negative thoughts
Affirmations
Surrounding yourself with uplifting people
Practicing mindfulness

Tools for Cultivating Happiness

Savoring small joys (good meal, nature walk, laughter)
Acts of kindness
Pursuing hobbies or passions
Celebrating small wins
Engaging in social connection

Choosing a positive mindset each day

Set your goal and intention when you first wake up.

Being mindful and present in each moment

Anytime events or emotions knock you off course readjust

Don't get stuck in a whirlpool of negative thinking, reframe the situation and move forward.

Appreciate and have gratitude for the progress you made through out your day.

Rinse and Repeat.

I have found setting my intentions for the day help tremendously with setting the tone, expectations and energy for the day. Choosing to being mindful and in the moment helps when life throws something at me. It allows me to continue to see the full picture and not spiral into fear and what ifs. If my negative emotions take over, I give myself time and space to bring myself back to calm. Give myself grace and love because I am only human. Being grateful for the good things in my day, and in my life.

Remember a positive mindset is long-term, sustainable. It’s more about how you approach life. Happiness is short-term, fleeting. Feelings rise and fall. Both are great but they are not the same. Chase the star not the butterfly.

"Positive thinking will let you do everything better than negative thinking will."

-Zig Ziglar

Are you chasing butterflies or stars? What does your life look like? Do you let your emotions run your life or do you decide where you're going and what you're doing in spite of the situations around you and the emotions brewing within you?

I encourage you to be brave and stay the course to your goals and dreams. Be optimistic and positive in your journey, regardless of what obstacles and emotions come upon your path. You can achieve anything you set your mind to.

Get you free Positivity Worksheet here!