​As we approach the Fall Equinox, which falls on Friday, September 22 this year, I can't help but feel deeply connected to the spiritual essence of this moment. For me, this celestial event is like a pause between breaths, a precious moment of equilibrium in the grand symphony of life. It's a time when the sun shines equally in both the northern and southern hemispheres, and this balance in nature serves as a gentle reminder to seek balance within ourselves.

Embracing Equilibrium

The Fall Equinox is a sacred space in time, where day and night share the sky in perfect harmony. It's as if the universe itself is encouraging us to find equilibrium in our lives. It prompts me to take a step back and ponder whether I'm nurturing that equilibrium in my daily existence – between work and rest, between giving and receiving, and between my inner and outer worlds.

Harvesting the Fruits of Life

Coinciding with this celestial event is the season of harvest, a time when the Earth bestows its abundance upon us. It's not just about reaping the rewards of our physical toil; it's also about recognizing the lessons learned and the personal growth experienced along the way. It's a moment to express gratitude for the bounties, both tangible and spiritual, that have graced my journey.

This season serves as a powerful reminder of the cycles of life and the importance of letting go. Just as the trees release their leaves, I'm encouraged to clear my inner space, shedding old beliefs, patterns, and emotions that no longer serve me. This inner clearing creates fertile ground for the intentions I wish to sow for the future – a process of personal transformation and renewal that mirrors nature's own rhythm.

Crafting My Path Ahead

With the equinox as my guide, I take this opportunity to set intentions for the year to come. It's a time for deep reflection and strategic planning. I understand that life can be unpredictable, but having a well-thought-out plan gives me direction and purpose on my journey.

I contemplate what I hope to achieve, both in the external world and within my own heart. I set clear intentions and goals, ready to adapt and grow as circumstances evolve. Just as the balance of day and night shifts after the equinox, my path may also change, but having a plan allows me to navigate life's twists and turns with intention and resilience.

Embracing the Equinox's Wisdom

As I embrace the wisdom of the Fall Equinox, I am reminded to seek balance, celebrate my achievements, and prepare for the future with an open heart. Life is a continuous journey filled with change, and the equinox teaches me that by grounding myself in balance and intention, I can navigate these transitions with grace and purpose.

May this Fall Equinox be a time of deep reflection, gratitude, and inner growth for all of us as we continue our collective journey through the ever-changing seasons of life.

In a world that constantly preaches the gospel of positivity, it's important to remember that life isn't always a bed of roses. While maintaining an optimistic outlook can be incredibly beneficial for our mental well-being, the concept of "toxic positivity" takes this idea to an unhealthy extreme. It promotes the idea that we should always wear a smile, regardless of our struggles, and that any negative emotions should be buried deep within. But is this approach really as effective as it's made out to be? Let's explore the ways in which toxic positivity coaching falls short and why there's value in finding a middle ground.
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The Balancing Act of Positivity
Before we delve into the pitfalls of toxic positivity, let's establish that optimism itself is not the villain here. In fact, maintaining a positive outlook during challenging times can provide us with the resilience and hope needed to weather life's storms. The issue arises when we're told to ignore, dismiss, or suppress our genuine emotions in the name of relentless positivity.

The Downside of Toxic Positivity
Toxic positivity, with its "good vibes only" philosophy, can be alluring on the surface. However, it can be harmful for several reasons:
1. It's Shaming: Toxic positivity often makes individuals feel ashamed for experiencing anything other than happiness. It sends the message that certain emotions are unacceptable, which can lead to even deeper emotional turmoil.
2. It Causes Guilt: When someone is constantly bombarded with the idea that they should always be happy, they might start feeling guilty for experiencing sadness, anger, or disappointment. This self-imposed guilt can be incredibly damaging to one's mental well-being.
3. It Avoids Authentic Emotion: Toxic positivity serves as an emotional escape route. It allows us to dodge uncomfortable feelings, which, in the long run, can hinder personal growth and self-awareness. Suppressing emotions instead of dealing with them can lead to unresolved issues.
4. It Prevents Growth: Growth often emerges from confronting and processing difficult emotions. Toxic positivity denies us this crucial opportunity by urging us to ignore our feelings, keeping us stuck in a cycle of surface-level optimism.
Recognizing Toxic Positivity
Identifying toxic positivity can be tricky, as it often masquerades as well-intentioned advice. Here are some signs to watch out for, both in yourself and in others:
In Yourself:

• Brushing off problems rather than addressing them head-on.
• Hiding your true feelings behind inspirational quotes to conform to societal expectations.
• Minimizing others' emotions simply because they make you uncomfortable.
• Subconsciously shaming others when they don't exhibit a relentlessly positive attitude.

In Others:

• Feeling guilty about experiencing sadness, anger, or disappointment.
• Hiding or disguising genuine emotions to conform to a facade of constant positivity.
• Attempting to be stoic or "getting over" painful emotions, even when it's not healthy to do so.

Embracing the Middle Ground
It's essential to understand that embracing a middle ground between toxic positivity and unrelenting negativity can lead to better mental health outcomes. Acknowledging and accepting your emotions, both positive and negative, is a crucial step toward personal growth and resilience. It's okay not to be okay sometimes, and it's equally okay to seek support and guidance when needed.
Coaching that embraces this balanced approach encourages self-awareness, self-compassion, and emotional intelligence. It empowers individuals to confront and navigate their emotions, leading to healthier and more authentic personal growth.
In conclusion, while positivity has its undeniable merits, it's vital to recognize that there's a time and place for all emotions in our lives. Toxic positivity coaching, with its unrealistic demands for constant cheerfulness, ultimately falls short in fostering genuine well-being. Instead, let's aim for a coaching approach that acknowledges the complexity of human emotions and supports individuals in their journey toward emotional growth and resilience. In finding this middle ground, we can truly thrive and lead more fulfilling lives.

Ready to Embrace Authentic Emotions and Inner Healing?

If you're looking to break free from the constraints of toxic positivity and embark on a journey of genuine emotional release and personal growth, I'm here to support you. As a Neuro Emotional Release Practitioner, I specialize in eliminating negative emotions that are the triggers from past trauma that informs your current behaviour. 
This proces works with Big T and Little T Trauma and resolves the emotional barriers that keep you from having a peaceful balances life. 
If you want more informaiton please email me at alex@teaandtransformation.ca and check out my page here on Neuro Emotional Release