“Staying positive” at all times is another often repeated gospel of our times. If I only had a dollar for every time I heard or read phrases like “Think positively”, “Be happy”, “Avoid negative thoughts”, I would probably be a rich man by now. There is no doubt that people who tend to think positively are more likely to succeed and live a happy, productive life. My argument is not about that.

As far as I am concerned, there are times when it’s perfectly OK to be sad or experience negative thoughts. Only an idiot can be positive and happy no matter what.

How can a normal person stay absolutely positive when he just lost his house or his investments became practically worthless? Of course he needs a time to reflect on his misfortunes, and not all of his thoughts will be positive.

Let's say someone went through a painful divorce. Is he or she supposed to have no negative thoughts or sad feelings whatsoever? Nonsense! Naturally such a person will experience some negativity over what happened.

Many people who are hooked up on “Positive thinking” message believe that there is something wrong with them when they have thoughts to the contrary. They try to look happy when they are not. Some of them miss very important, introspective and helpful thoughts because they are convinced that such thinking is harmful.

You shouldn’t worry about having negative thoughts. However you can’t let sad thoughts and feelings to overwhelm you. You just have to learn your lessons if there are any and move on to happier thoughts and better times.