How Toxic Can You Get?!

I actually do not have any plans of writing anything today but I am forced to do so by a special circumstance that happened to my friend just a few hours ago (not so rare actually, knowing the person involved).

Here’s what happened:

My friend said something today; a very simple thought, a simple reminder for herself, believing that she has the freedom to express herself. Then out of the blue, somebody gave away a totally careless comment. My friend, who is currently experiencing some down time in her career, felt more upset. If only the comment has been less harsh and a little friendlier the effect to her could’ve been different - positive.

Just imagine the impact of our words. Whether we consciously or unconsciously uttered those words, they can make or break a person. Isn’t it easier to say words of encouragement than words of criticism?

Because of this, my friend decided to get away from that “toxic person”.

As I have listed in my “things to do”, I promised not to see the negative side of people, accept them as they are, weaknesses included. I always remind myself to love the unlovable. But I know that this is a very difficult thing to do. It is simply hard to allow some people ruin our day.

We meet a lot of toxic people everyday. I, for instance, meet a few toxic people every now and then. They are the ones who put me down. They discourage me. They are the ones who see my every move, judging me for who I am not; seeing only the surface and not really understanding what lies beneath.

Then, at times, we can simply be toxic ourselves. I can be one toxic person (I know, right!). I have my tantrums; there are just times when I can’t smile, when I am too crushed by my own responsibilities, other people’s worries, problems of the world. Whenever I fail to see the goodness around me, I become a toxic person.

With this experience, I have come to realize that once in a while, as much as we encounter toxic people, we also become toxic to others. We ruin their chances to happiness even just for a while. We make them frown instead of making them smile. And we make them hate us. And we are never aware.

Friends, one way of avoiding being "the toxic one" is by being careful of our words. Words cut like a knife and they hurt as much.

P.S.
To that ever toxic person I know, please be more sensitive. You’ll never know how much discomfort and sadness you’re causing some people unless you step back and carefully examine how toxic you and your words are.


(A good read: http://bosanchez.ph/shape-your-outer-world-before-it-shapes-you/)
In Bro. Bo Sanchez’ 8 part series entitled “Shape Your Outer World Before It Shapes You”, he mentions about avoiding toxic people. Toxic people are: Those who encourage your vices. Those who always hurt you. Those who manipulate you. Those who pass their responsibilities to you. And those who discourage you by simply whining about life.