Clear Lenses Or Rose-Colored Glasses: Seeing Life as It Is

We’ve all heard it — “Keep your chin up,” “Stay positive,” “Good vibes only.”
And yes, staying positive and optimistic can absolutely support our well-being. Countless studies show that optimism reduces stress, strengthens our immune system, and improves our overall outlook on life.

But what happens when positivity turns into pressure?

The Weight of “Good Vibes Only”

Sometimes life is heavy.
We carry quiet worries, unseen grief, or the simple exhaustion of trying to do it all.

When someone asks, “How are you?” — are we obligated to answer with something upbeat?
Or can we speak honestly without fear of being labeled negative, dramatic, or “a Debbie Downer”?

Toxic positivity shows up when we dismiss or deny real feelings in favor of surface-level cheer.
It’s the subtle message that discomfort or sadness isn’t welcome — that only joy, gratitude, and light belong in the room.

But true wholeness asks us to honor all of it — the joy and the ache, the shadow and the shine.

The Truth About the “Happy Mask”

When we constantly push away hard emotions in the name of staying positive, our body keeps the score. Suppressing emotions can activate our stress response — spiking cortisol levels, tightening muscles, and dulling our intuition.

It’s as if our nervous system is whispering: “Please, let me breathe. Let me feel.”

The truth is, positivity isn’t about ignoring pain — it’s about holding both the beauty and the mess with compassion.
It’s knowing that we can feel gratitude and grief in the same breath.

If you’re curious about how emotions live in the body, explore this more deeply through a free consultation — a gentle way to connect, ask questions, and begin your healing journey.

Giving Ourselves Permission

It’s okay to not be okay sometimes.
It’s okay to answer “How are you?” with honesty, even if it’s imperfect.
And it’s okay to seek support when life feels heavy.

We are not meant to be endlessly “high-vibe.”
We are meant to be human — complex, feeling, growing, and softening into authenticity.

So maybe instead of rose-colored glasses, we can choose clear lenses — ones that allow us to see life as it is, not just how we wish it to be.
Because in that clarity, real healing begins.

Where in your life are you forcing positivity instead of allowing truth?
What would it feel like to permit yourself to be real — even just for today?

Continue Your Journey

If this resonates, you might enjoy a Reiki or Chakra Balancing Session to reconnect with your inner truth and release emotional tension held in the body.

For further reading, this article offers great insight into toxic positivity and emotional resilience.