There are two things people do with emotional wreckage. They look away, or they never leave the bottom. Forensic Optimism is the third option — and it is considerably harder than either.
This resonated so much and I really enjoyed reading it. One of my reasons for being on Substack is to connect with people who have experienced actual adversity, and have chosen to seek the light despite the weight of their situations. People who acknowledge the heaviness of their past but want to move forward lighter without gaslighting themselves with toxic positivity. I really like your term refusal optimism. I look forward to reading more of your work.
Thanks so much, Marcella. Refusing toxic positivity is the entire point of this project. It means so much to know you're finding this space to be a place where we can be honest about heavy things but still choose the light. Thank you for reading and sharing such a thoughtful perspective. I'm truly honored you're here!
This resonated so much and I really enjoyed reading it. One of my reasons for being on Substack is to connect with people who have experienced actual adversity, and have chosen to seek the light despite the weight of their situations. People who acknowledge the heaviness of their past but want to move forward lighter without gaslighting themselves with toxic positivity. I really like your term refusal optimism. I look forward to reading more of your work.
Thanks so much, Marcella. Refusing toxic positivity is the entire point of this project. It means so much to know you're finding this space to be a place where we can be honest about heavy things but still choose the light. Thank you for reading and sharing such a thoughtful perspective. I'm truly honored you're here!