Is it all about the attitude?

I struggle with the notion that the only way to get through a devastating illness is through "Positive Attitude". I hear it all of the time from people, both those with illness and those who have never been sick a day in their lives. I have come to the conclusion that people often say this to protect themselves from having to deal with my emotions. Once I hear that "I've got to be positive" from someone, I will never be honest about my feelings with this person. They would see it as a failure. This person truly thinks that having emotions such as fear, anger and sadness are weaknesses. I have talked to so many cancer patients who have felt guilt for having feelings other than happiness/thankfulness and pressure to maintain a facade of positivity.

I sometimes feel this struggle when in public. Why share my burdens with others? However, within myself I have come to the conclusion that all of my feelings about my journey are OK. I am doing the best I can each and every day. I get sad...I get pissed off...I worry more than I should...I feel deep joy...I am appreciative... I feel such a range of emotions and all of them are acceptable. Maybe not acceptable to the eternal optimist, but acceptable to me.

I do, however, feel that being happy and enjoying life important. I think I am a generally positive person, if only because it's more fun to live life this way. Yet, I make room for other feelings too. I also try to never tell anyone else how they should feel.

The link below expresses how I feel about this topic... please take the time to read!

Positive Thinking vs. Realistic Thinking