My thoughts on toxic positivity and what you can do to help!
- Mollie Wood
- May 6
- 3 min read
As I sit here on the grass in the park this morning. I’m taking a moment to honour being in the moment.
I’m usually frantic thinking about the things that need to be done. I’m sure most of us mothers are guilty of planning the next thing our heads. Laundry, errands, phone calls admins and way more.
And I really wanted to talk about toxic positivity because I’m guilty of it. I got so big in to “fixing” my mindset I started suppressing my emotions and that my girl is not healthy. I have my emotional moments but I’m a human being. It’s not productive to ignore what’s coming up though.
If you want to read on more how to help read moe, then let’s get into it!
You Don’t Have to Be Positive All the Time — And That’s Where Real Healing Begins
In a world filled with “good vibes only” quotes and “just be happy” advice, it’s easy to feel like you’re doing something wrong if you’re feeling overwhelmed, emotional, or stuck in a low season. But here’s the truth: forcing positivity isn’t healing — it’s hiding. And emotional honesty is not weakness — it’s strength.
Toxic Positivity Isn’t Kindness — It’s Pressure in Disguise
Toxic positivity is that subtle voice (sometimes external, sometimes internal) that tells you:
“Other people have it worse.”
“Don’t be so negative.”
“Smile through it.”
“Just be grateful.”
While gratitude is beautiful in its place, skipping over your very real, very human emotions to “stay positive” only creates disconnection. It silences your pain, invalidates your inner experience, and disconnects you from your truth. That kind of pressure doesn’t help — it exhausts.
You are allowed to be upset. You are allowed to cry. You are allowed to not have it all figured out.
Because healing begins when you let yourself feel.
The Gentle Power of Ho’oponopono
One of the most healing tools I’ve come across is the Hawaiian practice of Ho’oponopono — a quiet but powerful prayer of self-forgiveness, release, and emotional cleansing.
It uses four simple phrases:
I’m sorry.
Please forgive me.
Thank you.
I love you.
You can say these to yourself, to your inner child, to the version of you who’s trying their best — even when tired, emotional, or overstimulated.
You don’t need to know what you’re healing. You don’t need to force clarity. You just repeat the words slowly and breathe. Over time, they soften the resistance, dissolve shame, and remind you: you are worthy of love in every version of yourself.
Come Back to the Moment. Ground Down. Breathe.
When emotions get loud, or your head starts spinning with overwhelm, come back to the present moment. Step outside, even if it’s just to your doorstep or garden. Let your bare feet touch the earth. Look up at the sky. Feel the breeze. Listen to the birds. Let yourself arrive in the now.
This is grounding — and it gently brings your nervous system back into balance.
You don’t need to meditate for hours or do anything fancy. Just slow down. Breathe deeper. Place a hand on your chest. Say:
“Right now, I am safe. Right now, I am here. That’s enough.”
You’re Not Failing — You’re Feeling
You were never meant to be perfect. You were never meant to suppress your emotions in the name of positivity. You are meant to move through things, not around them.
Healing is not linear. Some days you’re full of energy and motivation. Other days you’re emotional and tired. Both are valid. Both are okay.
Let’s normalize emotional honesty. Let’s practice gentleness instead of perfection. Let’s hold space for the real — not just the pretty.
And when it all gets too much, remember this:
“I’m sorry. Please forgive me. Thank you. I love you.
If you got all the way to the bottom. Thank you so much from my grateful heart. Be kind to yourself! Take care of yourself. Please drop me a dm or a comment somewhere to let me know your thoughts on this post!
Lots of Love, mollie xxx
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