We all know what it means to go green.
Reduce.
Reuse.
Recycle.
Avoid toxins in our food and our environment.
But think about green living as a total lifestyle.
If you’re going to bother cleaning up your physical world, how about making some changes mentally and emotionally?
Take a look at your relationships.
Many people in our lives can be far more toxic than the food we eat, the water we drink, and the air we breathe.
Toxic relationships.
They make you feel negative, destroy your self-esteem, hinder your personal growth, are emotionally exhausting, and can negatively affect your health.
If you’re serious about going green, you must add “ditch toxic relationships” to your list.
First, remember that often, likes attract. Take some honest inventory. Are YOU toxic?
Do you gossip? Are you judgemental? Do you always have to be right?
Just because we want to avoid toxic people and relationships doesn’t mean we aren’t toxic ourselves.
It’s often said that it takes two to tango.
But you do have the choice to quit dancing!
Here are my five steps for greening up your relationships.
- Step 1: Who in your life may be toxic? Do any of these sound familiar?
- You feel drained by the person or people around you.
- There are trust issues between you and your friend.
- You are frustrated by their unreliability.
- Your relationship is full of drama.
- They are high maintenance and you have more negative experiences than positive ones.
- Often, you feel uncomfortable, disrespected, or criticized by this person.
- They bring out the worst in you.
- You can’t be yourself.
- You give more than you receive.
- Step 2: Is this relationship done or can it be repaired? Are you going through a moment, or is the toxicity terminal? Think it through.
- Step 3: Establish some boundaries. Set limits on your interactions and time spent together. If this relationship strangles you, take a total break, no contact. Otherwise, make some rules for yourself and stick to them. Remember, you aren’t helpless. You do have the power to make those choices.
- Step 4: Be strong. Stick to your decisions and your limits.
- Step 5: Find your tribe. Surround yourself with friends and family who bring the sunshine. Many people find their tribe with their network marketing team. Church groups. Running or hiking groups. Find people that share your BELIEFS and are on the SAME MISSION! Rely on those who fully love and support you.
