Toxic Positivity: When Faking It Becomes Exhausting

27/08/2025 19 min
Toxic Positivity: When Faking It Becomes Exhausting

Listen "Toxic Positivity: When Faking It Becomes Exhausting"

Episode Synopsis


Have you ever felt like pretending to be positive was more exhausting than just being honest? In this episode of Own Your Shift with Kim, Kim Mayberry dives into the misunderstood world of toxic positivity—what it is, how it shows up, and why it can quietly erode your self-trust.
Kim gets real about her own transformation from a pessimistic realist to someone who got caught in the trap of “good vibes only.” Through her personal stories and the S.H.I.F.T. framework, she shares how to break the cycle of emotional performance and reconnect with your actual feelings—without shame.
Whether you’re tired of holding up the mask or questioning why gratitude isn’t cutting it anymore, this episode is your reminder that honesty is more powerful than forced optimism.
🔑 In This Episode You’ll Learn:


What toxic positivity really means (and why it’s not just being cheerful)


How to tell when your inside world doesn’t match your outside image


Why labeling emotions as “good” or “bad” creates emotional disconnection


How to reframe emotional triggers as release attempts from your body


The exact S.H.I.F.T. framework to help you feel, process, and move forward authentically


🛠️ Kim’s S.H.I.F.T. Framework for Emotional Honesty:


S – See what you're actually feeling


H – Hold space without fixing it


I – Identify the pressure underneath


F – Forgive yourself for how you’ve coped


T – Take one honest step back to yourself


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