The Grey Space Between

There is such a thing as toxic positivity.

Radical Optimism is not about being happy. Being happy can often be a mirage and a burden.

I’ve been feeling it lately: the incessant grey drum beat of the pandemic. Always in the background, always ticking away. A layer of static that interferes with the clear signals that are out there. Crossing wires.

This has led to moments of feeling lost. As if the whole thing just pulled the rudder up and here we are, drifting away. In those moments, it isn’t helpful to slap on the veneer of a smile. Putting on a happy face isn’t the solution to sorrow or grief or worry.

What might be the solution is giving ourselves some grace and space. To work through what ails us. To figure things out. To connect with those around us to see if their answers help.

Radical Optimism isn’t about happiness. It’s about the belief that change is possible. Today. Right now. Or tomorrow, when the time is right.

So if you’re feeling tired or grey (I’ve had my long spells), remember that this isn’t a weakness. This is a process. This is trying to figure out what pieces fit where.

Being as kind to ourselves as we are to others can be a great first step.

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