Self-Esteem Support

I've just read the most interesting article where Barbara Ehrenreich, in her new book, claims the relentless promotion of positive thinking can sometimes do more harm than good. What do you think? Have you ever just gotten sick and tired of people telling you to "Be happy and everything will work out"? Read this article and share your thoughts with us:  

“You've just gotta think positively and you’ll be okay!”

Like most who’ve faced a serious life challenge, that’s what I heard from one cheerleading friend when I had cancer.

“Oh yeah? You try thinking positively when you have cancer,” I wanted to say. Instead, I held my tongue, fearful of hurting or alienating her. It’s not that I didn’t want to think positively. Who wouldn’t want to convince herself that if she just got her mind right, the cancerous growth inside her would shrivel up and disappear for good? But, for many, forcing an upbeat attitude is not easy—or even advisable, according to Barbara Ehrenreich. More:Can Happy Thoughts Be Hazardous to Your Health?

She may have a point. I think too much of anything can be bad for you sometimes. If your always positive do you really have a grasp of everything that can happen in life. I know they say you heal faster if you think positively but I think its alright to feel sorry for yourself for a bit too. I've never faced cancer but there have been times when I was facing challenges in my life and good cry helped alot.

Another thing she mentions is that telling someone to look at the positive side can be detrimental. Well I don't know about it hurting your health but it sure made me mad sometimes when people would tell me to cheer up or they were happy all the time.

Honestly, I'm disappointed.  I have read writings from Barbara Ehrenreich and this point of view is not how she used to write.  I found the article insulting as well as the quotes.  I was left thinking....this woman is just wanting to sell books.

I have fought cancer....and VERY recently.  I got my clean bill of health just over a month ago.  I did go through the tears...you can read my journal on Women & Stress.  I did drop in a hopeless pit.  I choose to fight for a positive attitude.  After all......what was the alternative???  Certainly not the way I would want to live, even for a limited time.  I was never pushed to develop the attitude by familiy or professionals.  I just knew that I didn't want to spend the (possible) last of my life focusing on "reality".  Everyone's reality is different.  And reality can be altered.

I'll just say that this is not one of Barbara's books that I will be buying or spending time with.  It seems that she is still angry and not done processing.