Beware of “toxic gratitude”! There are many benefits to developing a positive outlook on life, but care must be taken not to fall into this trap. Elizabeth Pearson, career coach and author, explains that the trap is deceiving yourself and ignoring your desires and feelings.
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Toxic gratitude arises when we think, “I’m not as happy as I could be” about our job, relationship, or home, but an inner voice tells us to be thankful and let go of our legitimate concerns. This can put us in awkward situations and prevent our growth and personal fulfillment.
Toxic gratitude sign
Recognizing the symptoms of toxic gratitude is the first step in breaking this pattern. Here are three signs to look out for.
How to break this pattern?
To overcome the trap of toxic gratitude, Pearson suggests an exercise: Imagine our younger selves and how they would feel in our current situation. When we experience disappointment or sadness, it is a clear sign that something needs to change.
The key to coping with this situation is to increase trust in our instincts and emotions. It is important to assess whether toxic gratitude has created invisible barriers in our lives.
When we recognize these barriers, we should think about breaking them down and adopting a mindset that prioritizes our wellbeing and fulfillment. We must remember that putting yourself first is an act of selflove, not selfishness.
By striking a healthy balance between recognizing our emotions and seeking constructive solutions, we will pave the way to a more authentic, lighter, and more prosperous life.