"When author Barbara Ehrenreich was diagnosed with breast cancer, she was bombarded with wildly optimistic, inspirational phrases. But a cheerful outlook, she argues, does not cure cancer. In her new book, Bright-Sided, Ehrenreich explores the negative effects of positive thinking, and the "reckless optimism" that dominates America's national mindset. "We need to brace ourselves for a struggle against terrifying obstacles," Ehrenreich writes, "both of our own making and imposed by the natural world. And the first step is to recover from the mass delusion that is positive thinking."" - April Buchheit from Bookmarklet

I can't wait to read that. - Amy℠

It's not such a question of 'positive thinking' as it is to delete 'negative' thoughts which only attract more negativity. I had breast cancer as well. I should worry or be ready for another occurrence of breast cancer? I don't think so. IMO. - Myrna

sounds interesting. - Chieze Okoye

What I took away from her interview is that there shouldn't be one formula in coping with breast cancer or any disease (or unfortunate circumstances in general). She was angry and rightly so. But the people from whom she tried to get support basically just told her to think happy thoughts, put on a smiley face and shut up. I have never had cancer and I can only imagine how difficult it can be, but I found it tragic that it seemed that she was denied in coping in her own way. - April Buchheit

I was going to read the book "The Power of Positive Thinking" and then I thought, what the hell good would that do? - J.D. Deutschendorf

LOL at J.D. - I agree with Myrna that worrying does no good, but often it is frustrating (and annoying) to feel that people are saying, if you just tried harder to think good thoughts, you would feel better. (And I'm also interested in what she has to say about issues bigger than my own problems, of course!) - Amy℠

Oh April, that is sad. She should have known me at the time. I used several alternative therapies like acupuncture, Chinese herbs, meditation, essential oils in bath. I remember I used to walk around with a peppermint soaked tissue when I had nausea. During radiation I remember discussing an herbal therapy with another woman having radiation. One of the aids heard me and told me not to interfere and leave that up to her doc. Jeeeze... - Myrna

erghhjtrjrtue6ujh - özgür

It's not so much 'positive' thinking that's the point. It's not focusing on the negative. Positive thinking seems kinda phony. - Myrna

ozgur, were you saying something? :) - Myrna