How to Declutter the Toxic Positivity from Your Highly Sensitive Life

Hey there, Highly Sensitive Person -

Three weeks ago today, I was in a major car accident.

My car was totaled (my poor, sweet Evie!)

They took me to the ER and did the whole trauma workup, CT scan and X-rays and all.

I walked away with a few bumps and bruises and a broken wrist - that they reset in the hospital.

It could have been SO much worse.

It 100% disrupted my "regularly scheduled program" - aka the way I thought was going to be spending my time for the foreseeable future.

For about two weeks, I was basically just resting, watching fluffy, comfort shows (finally finished Good Witch!) and medical dramas (The Resident, which I've dubbed "Hot Doctors").

I had surgery on my wrist two weeks ago in August 2024 - I'm a bionic woman now!

I've been working off-and-on as my energy allows, and it felt good to get back into the full swing of things this week.

And I choose to believe that this situation gave me opportunities to change things that weren't working in my life.

I get to restructure my time and to build in more fun, play, and creative time, things I thought I wouldn't have space for for a while.

I'm happy that the world didn't end when I cancelled some sessions last minute.

THANK YOU if you were one of the ones who graciously rescheduled and checked in on me.

I'm grateful that I'm young and healthy and healing right on track.

I'm thankful that my loved ones stepped in to chauffeur me around, make meals, make me laugh, and take me out when I was feeling cooped up.

I'm surprised that all the things I gave up ended up not being as essential and non-negotiable as I'd thought.

I'm not, however, ignoring that fact that things were ROUGH for a hot second and continue to be challenging.

Physical therapy starts in a couple weeks.

I can't make a fist yet or fully rotate my wrist.

And you should have SEEN the bludgeon they called a soft splint that lived on my arm until yesterday morning!

I looked like I had a video game blaster for a limb...

And that's why this week's episode of the Highly Sensitive Club is about how to avoid toxic positivity and find genuine gratitude - without pretending everything's fine when it's not.

Listen on your favorite podcast app and / or watch on YouTube.

Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Audible | YouTube | Website

In the episode, I cover:

• What toxic positivity is and why it's so harmful for us, especially as Highly Sensitive People (HSPs)
  

• Three ways toxic positivity shows up and what they look like "in the wild."
  

• Three solutions that will help you find authentic positivity - while also honoring your uncomfortable emotions too.

It's way too easy to try to wash over tough situations with gratitude and affirmations.

This denies the simple fact that sometimes life is fugging hard!

And that's valid too.

Life isn't always about pursuing the "good stuff."

It's about experiencing the full range of human emotions, both pleasant and unpleasant.

And toxic positivity gets in the way of having that full experience.

Where are you trying to "positive" your way out of a tough situation?

Where are you resisting, avoiding, or ignoring uncomfortable emotions?

Where are you overthinking and under-feeling in your life?

Hit reply and let me know. I'd love to help give some encouragement, perspective, or guidance.

Biggest, warmest vibes your way -

Steph

P.S. Tired of the toxic positivity in your life? I've got you. Book a call with me if you're interested my help letting go of toxic positivity and patterns that are no longer serving you so you can have the life you're dreaming of. I'm an expert in helping people with this!