The conversation around Toxic Positivity vs Optimism matters, especially when you live with chronic illness or ongoing pain. I’m the kind of person who likes to be positive where I can. I naturally look for the silver lining.  Even when I can’t even try to be positive, it usually means a situation has gone far beyond my current limits. But positivity isn’t always helpful. Sometimes it can turn into something unhealthy, and that’s where the concept truly becomes important.