Toxic Positivity vs. True Positive Thinking: Understanding the Difference
Taryn Crimi
Positive thinking has become a buzzword, often misunderstood as pretending everything is fine, even in the face of adversity. But true positive thinking isn’t about denial—it’s about perspective. It’s about training your mind to focus on opportunities, benefits, and silver linings, even during challenging times.
This article explores how emotions carry vibrational energy, why positive thinking isn’t about faking happiness, and how to gradually elevate your emotions to access higher perspectives.
Why Positive Thinking Isn’t About Pretending
When someone says, “Think positive,” it can feel dismissive, especially during difficult moments. Trying to feel joyful in the midst of pain or chaos is not only unrealistic but also counterproductive. Instead, positive thinking is about shifting perspective to uncover opportunities and benefits that often go unnoticed.
Most of us have been conditioned to view situations through a negative lens, but with practice, it’s possible to reframe experiences and train the mind to seek out the good. This skill becomes a powerful tool for navigating life’s challenges, offering stability and hope even in chaotic circumstances.
Emotions Are Energy: The Science Behind Vibrational Frequency
Everything in the universe is made up of energy, and that energy vibrates at different frequencies. Emotions are no exception.
- Low-frequency emotions like fear, worry, and sadness vibrate slowly.
- High-frequency emotions like joy, gratitude, and love vibrate quickly.
Understanding the vibrational frequency of emotions is key to shifting from negative to positive. When you’re experiencing low-frequency emotions, higher-frequency thoughts and ideas are out of reach, much like a radio broadcast that fades when you’re out of range.
The Emotional Ladder: Climbing One Rung at a Time
Think of your emotions as a ladder. Just as it’s impossible to leap to the top rung in one go, you can’t jump from despair to joy in a single step. Emotional growth happens gradually, one step at a time.
- Acknowledge Where You Are
Start by recognizing your current emotional state without judgment. Awareness is the first step to change. - Find a Small Positive Anchor
Look for something, however small, that feels better than your current emotion. It could be gratitude for a small kindness or appreciation for a moment of peace. - Focus and Build Momentum
As you focus on this positive anchor, your emotions begin to shift. Gradually, you’ll gain access to higher-frequency thoughts and perspectives.
Why Perspective Matters
Perspective determines how we interpret and react to the world around us. When stuck in low-frequency emotions, opportunities and solutions are often invisible. But as your emotional vibration rises, so does your ability to see the bigger picture.
This shift opens the door to creativity, insight, and problem-solving that seemed impossible moments before. By learning to focus on even the smallest positives, you create a ripple effect that elevates your entire perspective.
Practical Tips to Shift Your Emotional Vibration
- Practice Gratitude: Start or end your day by listing at least three things you’re grateful for. Gratitude is one of the quickest ways to elevate your emotions.
- Use Visualization: Picture yourself in a scenario that brings joy or peace. This helps anchor positive feelings in the present moment.
- Move Your Body: Physical activity, like walking or stretching, can help release stagnant energy and promote higher vibrations.
- Breathe with Intention: Deep, mindful breathing can calm your mind and help you reset emotionally.
- Use Positive Triggers
Positive triggers are activities, objects, or thoughts that bring joy or peace. Listening to your favorite song, picturing a cherished memory, or imagining yourself in your favorite place can quickly shift your state of mind to one of calm and positivity. These triggers serve as emotional anchors, helping you navigate challenging moments with greater ease.
If you’re looking for help teaching children how to use positive triggers, explore these specially designed activities and lessons created to make the concept fun and engaging.
Conclusion
Positive thinking isn’t about pretending everything is fine; it’s about shifting your focus to find the good, even in challenging situations. By understanding the vibrational nature of emotions and learning to climb the emotional ladder one step at a time, you can access higher perspectives and transform how you navigate life.
Emotions Are Your Energetic Nerves: Understanding the Real Purpose of Your Emotions
Taryn Crimi
Our emotions are much more than just reactions to the world around us. They are like the energetic nerves of our being, providing us with valuable feedback that helps us navigate life. However, most of us were never taught how to interpret this feedback effectively. Instead, we tend to view emotions as either “good” or “bad,” which leads to confusion and misunderstanding. In reality, emotions are not inherently good or bad; they are simply feedback, helping us see where we are in alignment with our beliefs or out of alignment.
By learning to understand emotions as tools for self-awareness, we can stop being controlled by them and instead use them as a compass to guide us toward more fulfilling experiences. In this article, we’ll explore the true purpose of emotions and how we can use them to our advantage.
The Feedback Loop: How Emotions Reflect Our Beliefs
Emotions are not a direct result of external circumstances; rather, they are the result of how we perceive those circumstances. Our perceptions are filtered through our belief systems, which dictate how we interpret the world around us. For example, two people can experience the same situation but have completely different emotional responses based on their unique belief systems.
This concept can be difficult to grasp because most people believe that their emotions are a direct reaction to the situation at hand. However, emotions arise from the lens through which we view those situations. If you believe that a particular experience will lead to a positive outcome, you will likely feel happy, excited, or hopeful. Conversely, if you believe that the same experience will lead to negative consequences, you may feel anxious, sad, or fearful.
The key takeaway here is that our emotions are a reflection of our beliefs, not the situations themselves. This means that by changing our beliefs, we can change how we feel about our experiences. When we learn to become aware of our emotions, we gain insight into what we believe to be true about ourselves and the world.
Using Emotions as Energetic Nerves
Emotions are like energetic nerves. Just as physical pain alerts us to a problem in our body, emotional pain alerts us to a misalignment between our beliefs and our experiences. For example, when we feel fear or anxiety, it’s a signal that we may be focusing on something that threatens our sense of safety or security. On the other hand, feelings of joy, love, and contentment are signals that we are in alignment with our core beliefs and values.
Consider how you would react if you stood on hot coals. The physical pain in your feet would instantly alert you to remove yourself from the source of the pain. You wouldn’t stand there, rationalizing the pain or justifying it; you would take immediate action to move away from the source. In the same way, when you experience emotional discomfort, it’s a signal for you to move your focus away from whatever is causing the pain.
Instead of dwelling in negative emotions or letting them control you, use them as a signal to reassess your thoughts and beliefs. If something is causing you emotional pain, it’s time to examine whether your beliefs about the situation are serving you or holding you back.
Emotions Are Not Good or Bad: They’re Just Information
One of the biggest misconceptions we have about emotions is that they are either “good” or “bad.” In truth, emotions are just information, and all emotions—positive or negative—serve a valuable purpose. The key is to recognize that emotions are not something to avoid or suppress. Instead, they are signals that help you understand where you are on your emotional journey.
When we experience “negative” emotions, such as fear, sadness, or anger, it’s easy to think we should avoid or suppress them. However, these emotions are just as important as positive emotions because they provide insights into our beliefs, expectations, and interpretations. For example, feeling sadness may indicate that there’s a belief that needs to be examined or a situation that requires change.
On the other hand, positive emotions like joy, love, and gratitude are equally valuable. They signal that we are in alignment with our true self and our values. By paying attention to these emotions, we can identify areas of our life where we are living authentically and fulfilling our purpose.
Detaching from External Circumstances
One of the most powerful ways to work with our emotions is by learning to detach them from external circumstances. Emotions are not caused by external events but are a reflection of how we perceive and respond to those events. We don’t need any external event to happen in order for an emotion to be felt. We can create emotions simply by using our focus and a little imagination. When we stop attaching our happiness, success, or peace to outside circumstances, we begin to understand that we have the power to control how we feel, no matter what is happening around us.
This process of detachment does not mean ignoring the challenges or pain in life. It simply means recognizing that we are in control of how we respond to it. Rather than reacting from a place of fear, anger, or frustration, we can choose to respond from a place of awareness, peace, and understanding.
The goal is not to suppress emotions but to understand them, learn from them, and allow them to guide us toward greater alignment with our true selves. When we do this, we break free from the cycle of emotional reactivity and begin to live with intention and purpose.
Emotions and the Law of Attraction
The Law of Attraction is the idea that like attracts like. The more we focus on positive emotions and thoughts, the more we attract positive experiences into our lives. This is why it’s so important to understand how our emotions influence our experience of reality. When we focus on what feels good—whether it’s love, gratitude, or joy—we naturally attract more of those experiences into our lives.
Similarly, when we focus on fear, anxiety, or frustration, we attract more experiences that match those emotions. This is why it’s so important to become aware of our emotions and use them as a tool for personal growth. By consciously focusing on positive emotions, we can shift our vibrational frequency and attract more positive experiences into our lives.
Building Emotional Resilience
Learning to use our emotions as feedback is the key to building emotional resilience. When we begin to recognize our emotions as valuable information, we can navigate life with greater ease. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by life’s challenges, we can use our emotions to guide us toward solutions and opportunities for growth.
Emotional resilience means being able to bounce back from adversity with greater strength and clarity. It’s the ability to understand that all emotions, whether positive or negative, are opportunities for growth and transformation. The more we practice observing and learning from our emotions, the more resilient we become.
Conclusion: Emotions as the Key to Self-Awareness and Growth
Our emotions are much more than simple reactions to life’s circumstances. They are powerful feedback tools that help us navigate our beliefs, perceptions, and experiences. When we learn to view our emotions objectively—as energetic nerves or sensors—we can begin to use them to steer us toward greater alignment with our true selves.
By understanding that emotions are not good or bad but simply information, we can create a healthier, more conscious relationship with our emotional states. Rather than allowing our emotions to control us, we can use them to guide us toward positive change, greater self-awareness, and emotional resilience.
The next time you feel an emotion arise, remember: It’s not about reacting to it, but observing it. Use it as a signal to reflect on your beliefs, examine your thoughts, and adjust your focus. In doing so, you’ll cultivate a deeper understanding of yourself and your experience of the world.
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Taryn Crimi is a TEDx speaker, keynote speaker, and panelist with over 15 years of experience in mindset development. She specializes in empowering educators and schools to teach mind mastery to children, equipping the next generation with the tools to unlock their full potential. As a mindset development expert, Taryn combines her professional expertise with her passion for creating positive change in education.
How to Teach Children Unconditional Happiness: The Key to Lasting Joy
Taryn Crimi
In today’s world, we often fall into the trap of believing that happiness depends on external circumstances—getting a promotion, buying a new gadget, or achieving a specific milestone. While these things may provide temporary joy, lasting happiness comes from within. True happiness is a choice—a powerful skill that can be cultivated from an early age. This article explores how we can teach children the invaluable skill of unconditional happiness, freeing them from the need to rely on external sources for joy.
Happiness Is a Choice: Teaching Children to Look Within
Happiness is often seen as something that happens to us, based on circumstances. However, what if we taught children that happiness is a choice? They don’t have to wait for the perfect moment or external validation to feel good. Happiness starts within. When children understand this, they realize they have the power to decide how they want to feel, regardless of the situation around them.
Happiness is a matter of perspective. How you frame your focus and the lens that you choose to view it from will determine the emotions that you feel as a result. Once you realize that it is not a matter of needing the experience to change, but rather a matter of how to choose to view anything you gain an immense amount of freedom.
By shifting the focus from external validation to internal happiness, we give children the tools to navigate life’s ups and downs with resilience. When happiness becomes a choice, children are empowered to cultivate it on their own terms.
Teaching Mindfulness: The Foundation for Emotional Resilience
Mindfulness is a powerful tool that helps children develop self-awareness and emotional resilience. By teaching children to pause, breathe, and observe their emotions without judgment, we can help them build a stronger connection to their inner selves. This practice allows them to separate their emotions from external events, making it easier to choose happiness, no matter what’s happening around them.
Simple mindfulness practices—like deep breathing, body scans, and guided relaxation—can help children develop emotional resilience and an awareness of their mental states. When children are able to observe their emotions without being overwhelmed by them, they can make better decisions and experience greater happiness.
The Power of Gratitude: Focusing on the Positive
One of the simplest and most effective ways to teach children unconditional happiness is by encouraging gratitude. By focusing on what they already have, rather than what they lack, children can shift their perspective and appreciate the abundance in their lives. Gratitude fosters a positive mindset, and when practiced regularly, it can help children develop a habit of looking for the good in every situation.
Encouraging children to keep a gratitude journal or to express gratitude at the dinner table helps them reinforce this habit. Over time, they will begin to see the world through a lens of positivity, which can greatly enhance their overall happiness. Remember not to overlook the “small things”.
Gratitude Practice: Examples to Get Started
To help children begin their gratitude practice, here are some simple and powerful examples that can be used to shift their focus towards what they are grateful for. These examples highlight both everyday blessings and deeper, more meaningful things we often take for granted. Encouraging children to say or write one of these every day can help them build a habit of gratitude.
- I’m grateful that I can see the world around me.
- I’m grateful that I can breathe deeply and feel the air in my lungs.
- I’m grateful for the food on my plate and the energy it gives me.
- I’m grateful that I can walk and move freely.
- I’m grateful that I have a safe place to live.
- I’m grateful for my family and the love they share.
- I’m grateful for my friends and the fun we have together.
- I’m grateful that my body knows how to take care of me.
- I’m grateful that my heart knows how to beat.
- I’m grateful for my ability to learn new things every day.
- I’m grateful for the sunshine that warms me.
- I’m grateful for the sound of birds singing in the morning.
- I’m grateful for my favorite food and how it tastes.
- I’m grateful for my ability to laugh and feel joy.
- I’m grateful for my health and the strength of my body.
- I’m grateful for the seasons and the beauty they bring.
- I’m grateful for the kindness of others and how it makes me feel.
- I’m grateful for the quiet moments when I can reflect and feel peaceful.
- I’m grateful for the opportunities I have to grow and improve.
- I’m grateful that I can make a difference in the world, no matter how small.
Choosing Happiness: The Freedom to Be Joyful
When children are taught that they have the power to choose happiness, they gain a sense of freedom that many adults never experience. This freedom comes from within—it is not dependent on outside circumstances. When children choose happiness, they detach from the need for approval, success, or material possessions to feel joyful. Instead, their happiness is self-generated and ever-present.
This doesn’t mean children will never face challenges, but when they are equipped with the tools to choose happiness, they can face these challenges with a sense of calm and confidence. It’s a life skill that sets them up for success, no matter what comes their way.
Building a Foundation for Lifelong Joy
Teaching children how to be unconditionally happy doesn’t just benefit them in the moment—it sets the stage for a fulfilling and resilient life. By instilling the skills of mindfulness, gratitude, and self-awareness, children learn to create their own happiness. This foundation becomes the key to navigating life’s inevitable challenges with grace and optimism.
Imagine a generation of children who are equipped to find joy in the present moment, who don’t need to chase external circumstances to feel good. These children will grow into adults who are self-assured, emotionally intelligent, and empowered to create a life filled with happiness and fulfillment.
Conclusion: Empowering Children to Choose Happiness
Raising children who are unconditionally happy is an incredible gift we can give them—a gift that will serve them for the rest of their lives. By teaching children to choose happiness from within, we help them build resilience, emotional intelligence, and a lasting sense of well-being. The world is full of challenges, but children who understand the power of their own choice to choose happiness will always find the strength to overcome them.
Let’s empower our children to be the creators of their own joy, free from the need to seek validation or happiness from the world around them. When we teach them that happiness comes from within, we are giving them the most valuable tool they will ever need to navigate life with purpose and joy.
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Taryn Crimi is a TEDx speaker, keynote speaker, and panelist with over 15 years of experience in mindset development. She specializes in empowering educators and schools to teach mind mastery to children, equipping the next generation with the tools to unlock their full potential. As a mindset development expert, Taryn combines her professional expertise with her passion for creating positive change in education.