- Identify and express the feelings of joy, affirmation, and gratitude.
- Share what sparks these feelings for you with your community to inspire others to identify these feelings within themselves
- Hand out 5 Post-It notes to each person.
- Each person should answer the following questions on their Post-It notes (1 response per Post-It).
- Something I do well is…
- This week I felt joy when…
- I am grateful for…
- I am….
- I am proud of …
- After you have completed your Post-It notes, post them on the blank piece of bulletin board paper, poster, or whiteboard.
- As a group, discuss the following discussion questions.
- Was it difficult to think of answers to these questions? Why or why not?
- How did you feel while writing down your answers?
- Are there other answers on the paper/poster/board that resonate with you?
- We feel a variety of emotions throughout the day, and all feelings are important to get our needs met. What is one thing you can do this week to hold space for your difficult feelings?
- This exercise is not meant to promote “good vibes only.” In fact, you want to be careful of falling into the trap of toxic positivity!
- While engaging a positive perspective can increase compassion, build strength and resilience, and lead to a greater outlook on life, when done to a toxic level it can be harmful especially for people who are going through difficult times. Toxic positivity tells people to stop feeling negative and avoids difficult emotions such as sadness or anger even when those feelings are valid. Statements like “it was meant to be,” “look at the bright side,” “just stay positive” – while well-intended – can be invalidating, shaming, and even bringing up unnecessary guilt.
- It is important to gently remind club members to not only take stock of the things that they are appreciative about in life, but also make space for other difficult feelings especially when they’re having a rough day/time.
- Remember, healthy positivity is grounded in acceptance, not forced gratitude!