Episode 53: How to Build a Positivity Practice (That Isn’t Toxic) with Sara Schaeffer

Written By Kathryn Sandoe

We’ve been sold the wrong version of positivity—the kind that tells us to “look on the bright side” while ignoring the messy, painful, real parts of life. But true positivity isn’t about denial; it’s about discipline. It’s about developing the mental, emotional, and physical strength to keep going when life hits hard.

On this episode, Dr. Katie Sandoe sits down with Sarah “Sass” Schaeffer, speaker, community builder, and founder of Practice Your Positive, to reimagine what it really means to “be positive.” Sass shares why positivity is a muscle—not a mood—and how to strengthen it through four daily levers: Mindset, Movement, Expression, and Connection.

Together they explore how positivity and optimism work hand-in-hand (but aren’t the same), where toxic positivity crosses the line, and why discomfort is actually part of the growth process. You’ll learn how small, consistent “reps” of positivity build resilience, deepen connection, and help you show up as your most grounded, powerful self—even when life feels anything but.

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Sara (Practice Your Positive) is a speaker, community-builder, and energy strategist who believes positivity isn’t just a mindset—it’s a muscle. She’s the founder of Practice Your Positive and the Team Positive movement, helps people build belonging through rituals and joy, and hosts a podcast that seeks to energize the everyday.

Kathryn Sandoe https://www.katiesandoe.com
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Episode 52: Why Your Communication Sucks - And How to Finally Get It Right (with Collette Revere)