Surround yourself with those whom cherish you.

[limichelle]

This lady in my water coloring class years ago. Told me “Surround yourself  only with those whom cherish you. It’s the only way you grow in a positive light.” 
 

I was only 18 at the time so I didn’t put too much thought into it. Yet, the saying stuck with me. It embedded into me somehow. 
 

Running into toxic people is inevitable. Keeping them in your life is by choice. 
 

Maybe it’s family? Then you distance yourself. If it’s a friend, you get rid of that friendship. Maybe it’s a significant other that doesn’t respect you. 
 

Life is short and the longer you entertain those who don’t impact your life in a positive way. The more time slips by. 
 

I think though you need to respect yourself and love yourself above anything else. It’s not overnight to learn this. I’m almost 40 and I’m still working on this. 
 

I admit! I’ve experienced bad relationships and horrible dating patterns. Of the same toxic people.  
 

I used to jokingly say I was a magnet and weird people stuck to me. 
 

In reality I needed to fix whatever was broken inside of me that attracted others more damaged.  
 

I believe if you illuminate your self worth and positivity that’s what you’ll attract more of. 
 

I think a lot of it is you find you’re afraid to be alone. So then you settle and welcome anyone who looks your way. 
 

I know I was that way. I would give anyone a chance. Truth is most don’t deserve that chance. The ones who do are people that build you up not tear you down. 
 

It’s sad that I read so many posts of those in negative, toxic situations. I too once was in your shoes. 
 

So believe me when I say. It gets better, life gets easier and your heart will heal. You just need to rid yourself of the weeds to plant flowers. 
 

I hope this post reaches someone and helps. 

[Lambert]

@limichelle

Such a great post.  thank you. 

You're right. And like you, I heard this type of advice, too. But it took a long time to learn. I'm still in the process of practicing it!

 

[SherrySher]

Great post, absolutely.... rid yourself of the toxic, negativity and drama.

Lots of people seem drawn to drama, but it usually signals boredom and unhappiness in themselves and in their life and trying to fill the void.

I do believe that those who are healed and are in a more healthy state of mind, prefer peace, and only allow those around them that bring positivity, happiness and peace.

Quality over quantity.

Thanks for the reminder. ❤️

 

[catfeeder]

Well said, Limichelle. I think most of us have cleared out an address book at some point in life.

It's not a 'bad' thing unless we choose to view it that way.

Once it's viewed from a distance, a whole new perspective can be gained, and that builds confidence in our choices as we move forward.

Keep inspiring, lovely!

[Cherylyn]

Yes indeed, limichelle.   It "only" took me almost a lifetime to finally figure this out!

Ever since I was a little girl, it was extremely important for me to be well liked by many.  I'm well liked but I no longer need to try so hard to win a popularity contest.  I'm completely satisfied with fewer,  higher quality people compared to my previous self.  I have more time and energy for myself, too.

My MIL (mother-in-law) told me to accept people's foibles.  I beg to differ.  If a person doesn't treat me with common sense respect and kindness or if I witness they don't treat others with respect and dignity, that particular person is no longer welcome in my life.  If our paths must cross, I'm civil, peaceful, well mannered and polite yet I deliberately maintain a frosty distance.  I don't trust people who don't behave with common decency and common courtesy.  Ever since I've become more strict with my standards and whom I choose to associate or not associate with, I've never been more at peace. 

I've since purged some complicated, unkind, tricky people from my life and it's been a catharsis.   There have been people in my life who were deceitful, betrayed me, lied, backstabbed or were dishonest.  I only want sincere, very humble people in my life.  Everyone else is eliminated.  It pays to become very picky and choosy.   🙂

The lady in your water color painting class, couldn't be further from the truth!  Surround yourself with people who are worthy and the rest?  They're a waste of your precious time and energy.