Level up your conversation skills with Cher's free  3-day training here: https://www.thefocusedmindset.com/leadwithhopechallenge  In this episode of the Focused Mindset podcast, Cher Kretz discusses the concept of toxic positivity and how it can affect our emotions and conversations. Toxic positivity is the rejection of negative emotions and the constant focus on positive ones. Cher emphasizes the importance of honoring and validating all of our emotions, as they make up who we are. She explains that toxic positivity can damage relationships and lead to suppression of real emotions, which can manifest in other negative ways. Cher provides strategies for practicing empathy, validating emotions, and moving from problem-focused to solution-focused conversations. Get Cher's free  3-day training here: https://www.thefocusedmindset.com/leadwithhopechallenge  You want to have meaningful conversations, but relationships are complicated, and opportunities are missed. This is why I created the three-day conversation navigation challenge, and you can now join for free with this link.  ALSO, you will get a 50% discount code for my Conversation Navigation Bundle that will give you both audio and video training and two courses and my book 30 Days to Higher Hopes sent to you.  TEDx: How to Lead with Hope: Solution Focused Conversation Navigation https://youtu.be/Am3ZoF53BS0?si=ZaflEtnhsdjgJ2oN Instagram: Cher Kretz The Focused Mindset Podcast https://www.instagram.com/cherkretz_thefocusedmindset/ TikTok: @Cher Kretz The Focused Mindset https://www.tiktok.com/@cherkretz?lang=en Patreon Tip Jar:  Your generous support helps me create more free resources and keep this podcast going strong. Thank you. https://thefocusedmindset.ck.page/products/tips-4-cher You might ask: Cher how did you go from being a school counselor to a top ranked podcast host? It's because of the business support at SPI (Smart Passive Income) Here is my special affiliate link to check it out: https://www.smartpassiveincome.com/community/?via=cher-kretz Chapters 00:00Introduction 08:18Understanding Toxic Positivity 14:38The Damaging Effects of Toxic Positivity 33:54Moving from Problem-Focused to Solution-Focused Conversations 45:16Conclusion