I AM A GOAT - A BLOG SERIES
Digesting roughage is all about taking time to absorb nourishment.
When life gives you lemons, just make lemonade!
This proverb intends to encourage a positive attitude in those faced with adversity. Although well intended - the message can quickly turn toxic.
Whatever the version of ‘it’ you’re confronted with, grief, sadness, sickness, depression, overwhelm, dispair, anxiety, loneliness or anger, folks want you to ‘just get over it’ - and fast!
It no longer seems to be a common practice to connect with people over long periods of time as they go through processes that don’t have a cookie cutter solution. Effectively this cultural attitude is forcing folks to deal with the impact of life events in solitude.
The social structure we are immersed in expects people to be ultra-independent, to stay relentlessly productive, and to avoid losing control at all cost. Anything life throws at us is approached as a problem that can (and should!) be solved. Some experiences we go through as humans do not have a quick fix though. When someone dies they are not coming back to us. Some illnesses or disabilities simply cannot be cured and climate change is undeniably upon us.
Our reality does not fit the toxic positivity mold that society offers us. As a result, people actively steer away from the discomfort of these so called ‘negative’ emotions. Staying in close connection with a loved one that is faced with the ongoingness inherent of truly tough times, seems too intense for most. Friends and family can start to avoid contact all together.
In an attempt to prevent further social isolation, more and more people outsource the maintenance of their emotional life to professionals. So there is a need for processes of collective learning and practices of non-judgement, when dealing with our feelings.
No lemonade will be served here today. is a podcast that actively rejects the tendency to sweep the hard stuff under the carpet. Emotions simple are, they are neither positive nor negative. When guests come on the podcast to share their story, we get to witness what being human is like for them.
