"Toxic relationships are dangerous to your health; they will literally kill you. Stress shortens your lifespan. Even a broken heart can kill you. There is an undeniable mind-body connection. Your arguments and hateful talk can land you in the emergency room or in the morgue. You were not meant to live in a fever of anxiety; screaming yourself hoarse in a frenzy of dreadful, panicked fight-or-flight that leaves you exhausted and numb with grief. You were not meant to live like animals tearing one another to shreds. Don't turn your hair gray. Don't carve a roadmap of pain into the sweet wrinkles on your face. Don't lay in the quiet with your heart pounding like a trapped, frightened creature. For your own precious and beautiful life, and for those around you — seek help or get out before it is too late. This is your wake-up call!" ― Bryant McGill
Take a minute and re-read the quote above. Have you ever had a toxic person, job, friend, habit, etc. in your life? Have you ever had to close a door and end a chapter in your life due to toxicity? Did it take everything in you to do it? How long did it take you to pull yourself back together and stay strong? When did you become happy again?
"When you notice someone does something toxic the first time, don't wait for the second time before you address it or cut them off. Many survivors are used to the "wait and see" tactic which only leaves them vulnerable to a second attack. As your boundaries get stronger, the wait time gets shorter. You never have justify your intuition." ― Shahida Arabi
And, just when everything started to fall into place, and you became happy, who came knocking back at your door trying to reopen that chapter?
Now, stop and think for a minute, why would you want to let the toxicity back into your life? The stress, the unhappiness, the chaos?
Yes, there may be history. Yes, it may seem easier than starting over, but take a step back.
You may think this friend, relationship, habit etc. has changed and it would be different this time. You think you wouldn't fall back into something that will cause you hurt and pain because you know better and are stronger now, and maybe you are, but they could do to you what they did before because people are creatures of habit. Do not allow yourself to become a victim of other's negativity and toxicity again. Don't allow anyone or anything back into your life that will bring pain or unhappiness. Keep on moving forward. Put yourself first - your happiness, your health.
When the toxic past comes knocking, don't answer. Walk away and ignore it. That's one door and call you don't need to answer.
