toxic positivity - quotes and descriptions to inspire creative writing

People act as if negativity is bad, sometimes it is, but sometimes it's how we truly connect to another person because we see that they care. To say I must always be positive, never express a downward emotion, an anxiety or fear, is a sort of toxic positivity that isolates me. If I can't be the real me and say what I really feel in a safe space with people who respond with empathy, I am alone regardless of how many are around me. Most of the time I am a positive person who helps others and is optimistic. Most of the time I'm working well and looking for chances to help others and myself, to develop my talents and be a positive contributor to society. But... sometimes I'm having a bad day, or worried about something, or needing to vent. At those times I'm simply looking for the emotional equivalent of a hand on the shoulder, not a fireman's lift or for the other to solve my problem. We all need a sense that we are in this together as a team, that we are not a team of one, that our existence matters and our efforts are appreciated. We need a sense that others really see us, the triumphs and the challenges, and love us just the same. So those who will never tolerate a negative emotion, who act as if bad days or anxiety isn't acceptable, that's toxic positivity and it needs to stop so we can be real and make honest connections.