Some of us repeat the same patterns over and over, either with the same negative toxic people or with others just like them. You can improve your life immediately by ending your relationships with toxic people, or at least limiting your time around them if they are people you have to see like co-workers or relatives. The truth is, there is simply no reason to have negative people in your life. You know who they are and you know you need to end it, so don't put it off any longer.

Life is short and the best gift you can give yourself is a life filled with positive people and happy interactions. Negative people drain us in ways we might not even realize. Stressful interactions with negative people take a toll on our physical health and mental well being. You have to work overtime to overcome the negativity that toxic people bring to your life, so why let them have that effect on you in the first place?

Be firm and clear and direct with those people. Simply say that you choose to not interact with them in the present. You might be open to changing your mind about them in the future, but at this time you prefer no contact, and then stick with it! Do not cave in and call them in a weak moment - let them go. Get toxic people out of your life when you know they add nothing to improving your well being. You deserve to have healthy relationships with positive people.

Quality relationships add to your life while improving your physical and mental health. Surrounding yourself with positive people does for your mental health what going to the gym does for your physical health. Stretch and grow every way you can in your life by ending encounters with negative, toxic people. You deserve to have the most positive and best life that you can give yourself. -- Kerry L. Gray, kerry@loveawake.com