IN OUR lives, it is easier to know and identify toxic and mean people than knowing our own true selves.
Sad but we are very keen on complaining about other people who often smile in front of us but stab us in our backs. But then again, we fail to realize that we are that same person -- a fire that burns others to ashes without them knowing. Sometimes we neglect to realize that the problem is us and we fail to recognize that we are toxic to others!
Let me share then how to identify the toxic characteristics in us.
When we are toxic, we do not like others to pursue excellence. No matter how valuable the ideas and contributions of other people, we tend to assassinate them with criticisms and devalue their contributions.
We find it hard to appreciate others because we feel like it diminishes our worth. Or we falsely appreciate others much to show our support but in truth is we cry to death because we want to be the only star in heaven.
Also, we are toxic when we love people who do not challenge us because we prefer to have an upper hand over others and we always disagree with their good choices because in truth we would want them to disappear in this world so that we can have the control all the time. We will steal their joy, enthusiasm, and callings.
We are toxic to others when we always take and do not give anything in return. Our joy is to shatter others into pieces to become whole. We spread the news about our achievements but cannot breathe when other accomplishments are acknowledged.
We hide our inabilities by not giving enough for fear to be out-shadowed.
We are toxic when we are too lazy, dependent on others. We give so many excuses when there are tasks assigned to us. We choose to be sick during hard works and rejoices shamelessly in victories we have not contributed any. And we do it not only once, twice but multiple times.
Moreover, we have tendencies to love others' lies and hate others' truth to convince ourselves that we are faultless. And sometimes we cannot forget of others' trespasses because we were maltreated and find no justice at all.
But at times, we are blinded by the truth that we are fighting to be heard when we also do not try to listen and often break the rules.
Oh, I think if we all want our world to have fewer toxic people, we can begin by choosing to become non-toxic to others too. So, if you find yourself engaging to a toxic person, then try not to be toxic to them as well. Do not allow their poison to affect you but rather be an antidote by creating peace whenever you can. Do not allow his or her toxicity to stir anger in your heart but calmly choose to make peace and carry on.