Click Here to View Dr. Heidi’s Presentation!

Avoiding Toxic Positivity and Fostering Real Happiness

Life has its ups and downs. We need both highs and lows to appreciate being alive; to be motivated; to make meaning. We also need each other.  How we help each other during the lows and join in the celebration of the highs makes a difference.  In the lows, too much positivity can be toxic and too much compassionate commiserative brooding may be depressing.  In the highs, a low-key response can be dismissive and an exaggerated exuberance may seem fake.  What’s a good friend/spouse/partner/family member/supervisor/mentor supposed to do?

The purpose of this pub talk is to introduce you to positive psychology concepts and practices that will help you find a balance between joining in the lows and heightening the highs, between “holding space” for hard times and identifying strengths, and between toxic positivity and real happiness. Three simple practices will help you find your way.