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Emotional Authenticity: Removing the Mask of Perpetual Positivity

Updated: Jun 8


A woman holding up a white mask with a big smile on it in front of her face

Sometimes I feel sad upon waking up, and that is absolutely normal. In a world that glorifies hustle culture, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by tasks and expectations. The pressure to be constantly productive can be draining.  Emotions are crucial in guiding us through life's challenges and can aid us in gaining a deeper understanding of ourselves.


Suppressing our undesirable emotions will only lead us down a path of self-destructive emotional discord. It's important to acknowledge our emotions, prioritize self-care, and take a step back when needed.


Listening to our feelings, reflecting on their causes, and practicing self-compassion can help us navigate tough times. Processing emotions allows for self-understanding and healthier coping mechanisms.


A girl sitting in a darkened room, looking down sorrowfully

Remember, it is okay to not always be okay. Embrace the full spectrum of your emotions, and keep in mind that self-care is not selfish, but essential for maintaining a healthy balance in life.


Breaking Free from the Pressure of Forced Positivity


In today's world, we often prioritize our careers and chasing the "American dream" over our own well-being. We tend to neglect our own needs because we're too busy, putting the demands of family, home and financial success first. But what happens when we can't keep up with it all? We often fall into the trap of forced positivity, thinking we should only feel "happy". But that's not healthy. Trying to keep up a facade of constant happiness is superficial and fleeting not to mention exhausting.


Ai created image of a group of smiling white theatre masks

So, how do we break free from this pressure to always be cheerful? Think about how stressful it is to pretend to be happy all the time. It's like denying your true self, your real emotions. By doing this, we disconnect from our own feelings. Emotions are there for a reason – they help us understand our actions, reactions, circumstances, and decision-making.


Humans aren't meant to be always ecstatic or stuck in negativity. We're meant to experience a wide range of emotions. Emotions can be complex and confusing, but that doesn't mean we should ignore feelings that don't fit societal preferences. Life isn't all about being gloomy, but to truly understand our emotions, we need to feel them and reflect on them.



Embracing Emotional Authenticity for Growth


In the Kybalion, there's a concept called the law of polarity, which says that everything has an opposite that's necessary for balance in the universe. This idea of balance is key in understanding our emotions and their role in our lives. Embracing all emotions, from joy to sadness, helps us navigate life with a deeper understanding. By acknowledging and processing our emotions, we can build a stronger connection with ourselves and others, fostering genuine relationships and personal growth.


A cartoonish image of a scale of justice with a heart on one side and a brain on the other.

It's essential to recognize that our emotions are a vital part of being human. They provide us with valuable insights into our inner workings and can guide us towards self-discovery and personal development.


By allowing ourselves to feel the full spectrum of emotions, we open ourselves up to a richer and more fulfilling existence. Instead of suppressing or ignoring our feelings, we should embrace them as messengers that have much to teach us about ourselves and the world around us.



Finding Harmony and Authenticity in Life


Accepting both the positive and negative feelings that arise within us enables us to cultivate balance and serenity in our lives. Just as light cannot exist without darkness, happiness is intertwined with sadness. While opposites may coexist independently, it is their contrasting natures that help us distinguish between them, fostering unity. Much like how flowers require both light and darkness to thrive, we too require diversity in our lives to create an environment conducive to growth and self-improvement. Embracing the entire range of our emotions allows us to fully appreciate the peaks of our joy. Each emotion serves a purpose on our journey, offering us valuable lessons and opportunities for growth.

Two people looking out over a picturesque mountainous coast

Hence, it is crucial to not disregard our emotions but to embrace them wholeheartedly. By recognizing and respecting our feelings, we acknowledge our human nature and establish the groundwork for a genuine and purposeful existence. Welcome the range of emotions, for they are the vibrant hues that enrich the depth and beauty of the tapestry of our lives.


A compass being held in front of the sun with a background of shoreline

Emotions serve as a compass, guiding us through the intricate landscapes of our experiences. They provide us with valuable insights into our inner selves, helping us understand our desires, fears, and aspirations. Embracing our emotions allows us to cultivate empathy towards others, creating deeper connections and nurturing meaningful relationships.


It is through the acknowledgment and acceptance of our emotions that we can truly embark on a journey of self-discovery. By honoring our emotional landscape, we empower ourselves to navigate life's challenges with resilience and authenticity, paving the way for a more fulfilling and enriching existence.


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Take good care. Love yourself, love each other.






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