
Gratitude and helpful positive thinking emerge as alternatives to toxic positivity that empower us to acknowledge genuine emotions. Gratitude brings psychological benefits like improved mood and reduced stress, while helpful positive thinking encourages solutions and a growth mindset.

Before the sixth grade, I was a straight-A student. School was where I found my identity, sense of purpose, community, and confidence. I wanted to be the smartest kid in class. I wanted approval and praise from my teachers, and I got it.