I believe pain and suffering and every emotion out there is inherently valid and that they are called feelings because we really feel them. They are real.

I also believe in the power of a positive attitude. It is not always easy and in some situations it may be inappropriate. I try my best not to invalidate any of my feelings of grief or loss or sadness or inadequacy by papering over them with a positive attitude. I don’t think that is helpful or genuine. I try to really feel what I am feeling and I will express it if I think that is a good idea, sometimes just thinking words and sentences explicitly, sometimes writing things in my journal, sometimes talking things over with a friend. After I have really expressed my unpleasant feelings, sometimes I am then ready to look forward and embrace a positive attitude. I don’t think anything you said is wrong. It’s just not what I personally took away from the post.