Poopy Platitudes
Mainstream capitalist wellness content is like an endless river of positive self-help platitudes. Mainstream white Christian wellness content is like a constant wind of “this is where I’m at and that’s okay” plus one or two Bible verses (bonus points if it’s from a minor prophet).
Both of these kinds of platitudes have in common that they whisper to us that wherever we are in life, we are “meant” to be there. Each platitude is like a coach patting you on the back, saying, “Good job! Congrats for being exactly you!”
Some parts of that are true. You shouldn’t have to force yourself to conform into something or someone you’re not. You deserve the room and the space to process disruptive situations and circumstances. Life should not have to be “business as usual,” and let’s face it–that’s always been a lie anyways.
But I have a hard time believing that what is happening to us is always “meant” for us.
Sometimes we need to get out of a job, relationship, or situation.
Sometimes we acted impulsively and it simply was not the right call.
And always, the interlocking systems of injustice are there making the journey home just that much more difficult.
Lulled to Sleep
So here are some problems with thinking that everything is always as it "should" be:
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