The Art of Neutrality: How to Shift Negative Self-Talk Without Forcing Positivity- boudoir photography nc
We have all done this at least once, trying to jump from “I hate how I look today” to “I’m a radiant goddess” in a matter of seconds and said, “fuck allat.” almost immediately after. And let’s be real, trying to push positivity just doesn’t feel authentic. That’s where the art of neutrality comes in and why I am a huge fan. Today we are saying fuck toxic positivity and hello Daddy Neutrality (purrrr)!
Neutrality is about finding a middle ground between negativity and forced optimism. It gives you space to be realistic while allowing room for growth, without pressuring yourself into feeling aggressive positivity. By embracing neutrality, you acknowledge your current emotions and circumstances without judgment, making it easier to navigate challenges without becoming overwhelmed. Instead of feeling like you must immediately adopt a positive mindset, you give yourself permission to move at a pace that feels natural. This approach fosters self-compassion and resilience, as it allows for gradual progress without the fear of failure or self-criticism. For example, instead of saying, “I’ll never be successful,” try shifting it to, “I’m working toward my goals at my own pace.” This subtle change acknowledges your feelings while keeping the door open for progress.
““You have to be okay with yourself no matter if you’re size 0 or a little bigger, like me””
Forcing positivity can actually do more harm than good.
When you try to convince yourself that everything is great when it isn’t, you create an internal conflict that can leave you feeling even worse. Instead of lifting your spirits, it can make you feel like a failure for not being able to maintain an unrealistic level of optimism. This pressure to always be positive can invalidate your real emotions and experiences, making it harder to work through them in a healthy way. A more balanced approach acknowledges both struggles and wins, allowing you to process emotions in a way that feels authentic and sustainable.
Instead of forcing positivity, try shifting to a neutral perspective. Instead of “I hate my body,” reframe it to “My body carries me through life.” This approach allows you to acknowledge where you are without spiraling into self-criticism or feeling like you need to fake joy. It also removes the pressure to instantly love something you may still be working on accepting.
Another game-changer and MY absolute favorite? Gratitude. No, not in the toxic positivity way, but in a way that grounds you. Focus on appreciating the little things, like how good your morning coffee was or how soft your sheets feel. Gratitude doesn’t mean ignoring your struggles; it means balancing them with things that bring you comfort and joy.
Practicing neutrality takes time, but the results are worth it.
Try this: each day, replace one negative thought with a neutral or grateful one. Write it down and reflect on how it shifts your mindset over time. Let me know how it feels!
If you want to learn more about neutrality or you’re interested in booking a boudoir session with me reach out! Id love to hear more!
Your Boudoir Bestie,
