Ridding Your Life of Negativity

Sheessh! Negativity is not something I find pleasant in anyway and I will go to lengths to avoid negative situations, negative places, negative feelings, and of course, negative people. Have you known someone who sucks the life out you? Drains your energy? Belittles your dreams or ambitions? Never has anything nice to say about anyone or anything? Ugh...I don't want to deal with these types of people - their number pops up on your phone and you dread answering. Negativity is toxic; it seeps into every aspect of our personality and lives if we were to allow it within the boundaries of our lives. 

One of the blogs I like to read (http://coachchinh.com/) defines a toxic person as: someone who complains and dumps their problems on you but doesn’t do anything to change their situation. Someone who is not supportive. Someone who makes you feel bad. Someone who shoots down your bright ideas, big goals, or bold (and risky) decisions that you need to make in order to be successful. I'd say that just about nails it!

Allowing toxic, negative people in our lives has a hundred-fold impact on us physically, spiritually, and mentally.  Negative people discourage us from our goals and ambitions. They can cause physical anxiety and stress and illness. When we have too much negativity in our lives, we aren't open to the positive things we need in our lives. 

This is YOUR life, it is your's and only your's - no one else is in charge of you. Never allow someone else to define what a good life is for you…life is not one-size-fits-all. What seems “right” for one person or family isn’t the perfect choice for another. You don’t have to lead my life and I sure as hell don’t want to lead yours. :) Set boundaries: limit your conversations and time with people who are negative. Surround yourself with positive, supportive, encouraging people who uplift and inspire you.

When ridding your life of negative people and things, there is no need for you to explain. You might want to, people may even demand it of you...but you don't have to. Again, this is your life, it's how you feel, and you don't owe anyone an explanation of why or how you go about living your life. 

If the negative person is someone close to you, you may want to let them know how their negativity is impacting your relationship with them. They may not realize that their behavior is out of sync. Their negativity is about them not you - do remember that. If you feel that the person truly loves you and doesn't intend to hurt your feelings, try to help them instill more positive energy in their lives. For every negative comment they make, give them a positive remark back. You can't make someone else change their behavior, but maybe you can help them. If not, cut your losses! Life is far too short to listen to or even have to be around Debbie Downers, Negative Nancy's, Judge Judy's, Bob Bummer's and Perfect Polly's!