Can Happy Thoughts be Hazzardous to Your Health?
There's a new book out that maligns the power of positive thinking!
an Happy Thoughts Be Hazardous to Your Health?
"In her new book, Barbara Ehrenreich claims the relentless promotion of positive thinking can sometimes do more harm than good
By: Lori Hope
Barbara Ehrenreich“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"
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The whole thing got me to thinking. I looked back at my own diagnosis and thought, was I a positive thinker? Were you guys?
For me I think I came to the conclusion that while positive, I could more accurately be defined as having been realistic, and as informed as possible.
I tried to be proactive in my care, but remained aware of the truth at hand. For me it was more of an attitude of , "Okay, this is where I am. Now what do I do?" I remember one woman coming into my office shortly after I returned to work and she said, "Wow, I just don't know how you're doing this. I could never go through this!"
I just looked at her and said, "You'd have no choice! You face what's at hand, besides, we could all get hit by bus one the way home, yet we don't stay home from work for fear of the bus!"
I'd love to hear what you think about this?
an Happy Thoughts Be Hazardous to Your Health?
"In her new book, Barbara Ehrenreich claims the relentless promotion of positive thinking can sometimes do more harm than good
By: Lori Hope
Barbara Ehrenreich“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"
view link
The whole thing got me to thinking. I looked back at my own diagnosis and thought, was I a positive thinker? Were you guys?
For me I think I came to the conclusion that while positive, I could more accurately be defined as having been realistic, and as informed as possible.
I tried to be proactive in my care, but remained aware of the truth at hand. For me it was more of an attitude of , "Okay, this is where I am. Now what do I do?" I remember one woman coming into my office shortly after I returned to work and she said, "Wow, I just don't know how you're doing this. I could never go through this!"
I just looked at her and said, "You'd have no choice! You face what's at hand, besides, we could all get hit by bus one the way home, yet we don't stay home from work for fear of the bus!"
I'd love to hear what you think about this?
