Have you ever felt like pretending to be positive was more exhausting than just being honest? In this episode of Own Your Shift with Kim, Kim Mayberry dives into the misunderstood world of toxic positivity—what it is, how it shows up, and why it can quietly erode your self-trust.

Kim gets real about her own transformation from a pessimistic realist to someone who got caught in the trap of “good vibes only.” Through her personal stories and the S.H.I.F.T. framework, she shares how to break the cycle of emotional performance and reconnect with your actual feelings—without shame.

Whether you’re tired of holding up the mask or questioning why gratitude isn’t cutting it anymore, this episode is your reminder that honesty is more powerful than forced optimism.

What toxic positivity really means (and why it’s not just being cheerful)

How to tell when your inside world doesn’t match your outside image

Why labeling emotions as “good” or “bad” creates emotional disconnection

How to reframe emotional triggers as release attempts from your body

The exact S.H.I.F.T. framework to help you feel, process, and move forward authentically

S – See what you're actually feeling

H – Hold space without fixing it

I – Identify the pressure underneath

F – Forgive yourself for how you’ve coped

T – Take one honest step back to yourself

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