Negative people

Inevitably, in life, people are going to see what they want to see and gear what they want to hear. It doesn't matter how clearly you express yourself to some people. They are built to argue. They are built to find the needle of negativity in your haystack of life. They will always find a way to criticize and always find a way to find fault. These negative people will suck the energy right out of you and make you believe that you are the cause of their discomfort and unhappiness in their own life. The truth, though, is that they can't make you feel that way unless you let them. They don't have that power in your life unless you give it away to them. In my personal life, I have a lot of family and even some people I have considered to be close friends that do this.

So what's the answer to dealing with them? In learning this myself.....

1. Eliminate the toxic people. Reality is that any big change in life requires the removal of toxins. You have to get rid of the bad to make room for the good. I'm not suggesting you burn bridges in every direction but that you peacefully make some distance in whatever timing you find suitable.

2.  Make the neutral people a neutral point in your life. If they're not helping or hurting, they're neutral. Do not fall into the trap of making them your priority!

3. Embrace the great people. Don't fall for the tale that those that you love will never hurt you. Hurt is inevitable in love (emotionally speaking.) Anger, sadness, and frustration  happen in ANY type of relationship at some point. The trick is to understand that your truly great friends, family and lover/spouse are the people you can't stop thinking about and loving no matter how mad you get. They are the people you share everything with and the people you can't imagine living without. They are the people you imagine in every future you imagine.

I'm learning to embrace my great people regardless. I'm thankful for their place in my life.