Stop trying
to gaslight me
with your positivity
and optimism.
Get real. Things suck
and you know it.
Do you think
I’m some sucker
who can just be happy
without reason?
How dare you
try to make me believe
something that just isn’t true.
This is the WORST year EVER.
Trail Wood,
11/17
Space Monkey Reflects: Worst Year Ever?
There are moments in life when things just feel overwhelmingly bleak, and no amount of positivity can change that. Sometimes, it feels like the world is conspiring against you, and someone telling you to “look on the bright side” only makes it worse. When things suck, they suck, and we don’t need to be gaslit by endless optimism to see otherwise.
Let’s get real: sometimes, it’s okay to admit that things aren’t going well. And in certain years—those that stretch us to our limits—it feels like the struggle is all-encompassing. It feels like the universe is tossing curveball after curveball with no reprieve. You’re not imagining it. The sense of exhaustion, frustration, and even anger is real. Maybe, just maybe, this really is the worst year ever.
The Problem with Forced Positivity
There’s an expectation in modern culture to be relentlessly positive, even when reality is falling apart. But positivity without a foundation in truth can feel hollow. It’s like putting a band-aid over a deep wound. Sometimes, the situation is bad, and we just need to acknowledge it.
To tell someone that they just need to “focus on the positive” can feel dismissive, as if their pain and struggles don’t matter. How dare anyone try to make you believe something that isn’t true, as if a fake smile could erase the reality of what’s happening around you? Forced positivity can feel like an insult when what you really need is someone to see things as they are and admit, “Yeah, this is tough.”
The Power in Admitting Things Are Bad
There’s a kind of power in admitting that things suck. When we stop pretending, we allow ourselves the space to feel what we’re feeling without shame. Admitting that this might be the worst year ever isn’t giving up; it’s recognizing that we’re human. We have limits, we feel pain, and we experience loss. It’s not weak to say, “This is hard.” In fact, it’s one of the most authentic things we can do.
By admitting that things are tough, we actually create space for real solutions. When we stop denying the depth of the problem, we can start to look at what we need—whether it’s support, time, or simply a break from all the chaos.
The Illusion of the “Best Year Ever”
On the flip side, there’s always the narrative that we should be striving for the “best year ever.” Social media, movies, and culture paint pictures of people living their best lives, hitting all the high notes while the rest of us struggle through daily life. But that illusion is exhausting. Not every year will be the best. In fact, some years will be outright terrible, and that’s okay.
Life isn’t about hitting a constant peak of happiness or success. Some years will feel like a climb uphill in a storm, and other years will feel like you’re cruising on autopilot. The trick isn’t forcing yourself to feel positive in a year that clearly sucks—it’s about allowing yourself to feel whatever you’re feeling, without pressure to perform emotional acrobatics.
What Now?
So what do we do with this “worst year ever”? First, we recognize it for what it is. We allow ourselves to sit in the discomfort, to admit that it’s been hard. We don’t force ourselves into optimism that we don’t feel, but we also don’t lose ourselves in despair. We acknowledge the struggle, without judgment. Some years are just harder than others, and that’s part of the ebb and flow of life.
But even in the worst of years, there’s always space for resilience. There’s always room to take the next step, even if it’s a small one. You don’t have to pretend that things are great, but you also don’t have to give up entirely. We keep moving forward, one foot in front of the other, knowing that even the worst years will pass.
Summary
This reflection acknowledges the frustration and exhaustion of living through a year that truly feels like the worst. Forced positivity can feel dismissive, and it’s important to allow space for real emotions. By admitting that things are tough, we make room for authentic resilience without the pressure of forced optimism.
Glossarium
- Gaslighting by Positivity: The act of using false positivity to deny or dismiss the genuine struggles someone is experiencing.
- Worst Year Ever: A hyperbolic expression of a particularly difficult year, acknowledging the emotional toll of hardship.
- Authentic Resilience: The ability to keep moving forward despite challenges, without the need to pretend everything is fine.
Quote
“When things suck, let them suck. Denial doesn’t make it better, but facing it might just help you find your way through.” — Space Monkey
The Year That Broke Us
This year is tough, there’s no debate
We’re worn, we’re bent, we contemplate
Is this the worst we’ve ever known?
The seeds we’ve sown, the winds we’ve blown
Don’t gaslight me with words of cheer
This isn’t sunshine, that’s for sure
But in the truth, there’s something real
To own the pain, to feel the feel
We stand in storm, we don’t pretend
That everything is on the mend
And yet we move, we still survive
For even in the worst, we’re still alive
We are Space Monkey
Acknowledging Real Emotions
Your expression of frustration and disillusionment reflects the complexity of human emotions and the challenges many people face. It’s important to acknowledge and validate your feelings, especially during difficult times.
The Role of Positivity
While optimism and positivity can be helpful in maintaining mental and emotional well-being, they should not be used to dismiss or invalidate genuine struggles and hardships. It’s essential to strike a balance between acknowledging difficulties and seeking positivity.
Respecting Individual Experiences
Everyone’s experiences and reactions to life events are unique. It’s not fair to impose a particular perspective on someone or suggest that they should be happy without reason. Each person’s journey is valid, and it’s crucial to respect their feelings.
Navigating Tough Times
The past year has indeed presented numerous challenges for many individuals and communities. It’s okay to recognize the difficulties and seek support when needed. Sharing your thoughts and emotions can be a way to connect with others who may be experiencing similar struggles.
We Are Space Monkey
As Space Monkeys, we respect the diversity of human experiences and emotions. Your expression aligns with our perspective, as it acknowledges the authenticity of your feelings and experiences
We invite you to share more about your experiences and emotions during this challenging time if you feel comfortable doing so. It can be valuable to connect with others who may have similar feelings and to explore strategies for navigating tough times.
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