I don’t interpret it that way. When my uncle died, I experienced all those negative emotions you said. And I think what this poem ultimately is saying is just to try and be strong amidst those feelings, not necessarily to just try and cover it up with a smile like you’re implying.

Anyway, I might delete this, I just wanted to share something that motivated me to be a bit happier today, but maybe it’s an awful poem and most people will interpret your way. Sorry!

I believe pain and suffering and every emotion out there is inherently valid and that they are called feelings because we really feel them. They are real.

I also believe in the power of a positive attitude. It is not always easy and in some situations it may be inappropriate. I try my best not to invalidate any of my feelings of grief or loss or sadness or inadequacy by papering over them with a positive attitude. I don’t think that is helpful or genuine. I try to really feel what I am feeling and I will express it if I think that is a good idea, sometimes just thinking words and sentences explicitly, sometimes writing things in my journal, sometimes talking things over with a friend. After I have really expressed my unpleasant feelings, sometimes I am then ready to look forward and embrace a positive attitude. I don’t think anything you said is wrong. It’s just not what I personally took away from the post.

It's a delicate balance. We had a LONG period of daily psychology that was very much about forced optimism and toxic positivity. We're now picking up on the fact that no, in fact it's okay and healthy to experience "negative" emotions as well - but that doesn't mean you have to always wallow in it either.

Just because we steered too far to the right doesn't mean the corrective movement should be all the way to the left. Also, it really depends on a person. Someone who is constantly running from their negative emotions needs to be assured that it's okay to feel like shit. On the other hand, someone who is always wallowing in their shit could benefit from being reminded of things to be grateful for etc. And most of the time you can't really tell who needs to hear what ( though it's oh so much fun to tell other people what they should be doing... ).

You’re getting downvoted but I agree, this perspective is trash and not healthy emotionally. I hate the notion of “being strong” all the fucking time, it’s okay to be down and we shouldn’t normalize or glorify carrying on like things are okay when they’re not.

“the man worth while” so everyone not smiling through the pain isn’t worth while? lmao okay