Not So Positive

Heard on NPR today:



Is positive thinking a problem? On this afternoon's show (3pm Florida time), an author spoke about her book Brightsided and her experience while being treated for breast cancer. I did not catch all of the show but heard a bit from the guest and some of the callers. Most of the discussion was about cancer and specifically breast cancer but overall it was a statement against reframing life circumstances to the better. For example, NOT forcing oneself to make lemonade out of lemons. The book author does not promote negativism mind you, but realism.



Ouch! This is the very opposite of my practice and preaching. Some people expressed the view that there is a forced sense of "be cheerful and look at the bright side" when dealing with hard life events - like cancer diagnosis and treatment. The show also referenced all this PINK business and being a survivor and fighting battles. In other words, not everybody believes that is the right way to go.



I hadn't looked at it that way, so here is the other side.



For me, I still like reframing things to the positive.