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Toxicity ... Internal and External
by Barbara Mencer
Those of you who've been with us awhile know that I've recently begun a formal study of nutrition and health after having had a lifelong interest in what we need to do to take care of ourselves and enhance physical performance.
I know full well that there are a lot of subjects in the area of health and nutrition where the science isn't 100% clear and opinions differ. The jury may still be out on many questions, but there's one thing I can tell you with absolute certainty.
If you poison yourself, it's not a good thing. Anything you do to your body to make it toxic will cause you to be less healthy, vibrant, and high-performing than you could be.
Duh. Pretty hard to disagree with that, isn't it?
But a poisoned internal environment isn't the only one you have to be concerned about. Now, you may not have ever thought about it this way, but people and situations can be just as toxic as a six-pack of Schlitz Malt Liquor Bull and a couple of bags of Ho Hos.
Just as some things you eat and drink are good for you and build you up, some of the people you associate with are good for you and build you up.
And some are pure poison.
Well, guess what? Those folks often don't confine their outlook and negative talk to just their own situation.
They'll probably be willing and able to tell you why you can't do something, or how hard it'll be, or that there's no point in trying. And while bad food and drink can be toxic to your cells, bad vibes from other folks can be just as toxic to your plans and dreams.
You have to politely shut out that chatter. That's hard to do, especially when the people are your relatives!
Now, I get that they may have a positive intention. They may be simply trying to keep you from getting in over your head, or getting disappointed or hurt in some way. They may be worried that if you get too successful, you'll grow apart. There are a lot of perverse and probably subconscious motivations.
But regardless of why it's offered up, poison is poison. It's best to avoid it as diligently as you can. Here's my prescription for good vibrational hygiene. Seek out those people who dwell in possibility and who support you in what you do. That doesn't mean they don't ever question you or challenge you. Someone's not a real friend if they don't really engage with you and talk things through when they have reservations, doubts, and concerns, but you know they're doing it because they care.
The key is they believe in you and they're there for you. You know who I'm talking about. And steer clear as much as possible from the people who bring you down. You know who they are too. And if you can't avoid them, just talk about the weather or sports or something neutral like that. "How 'bout them Dodgers?" Bottom line: Your health depends in significant measure on eliminating toxins from your life, both internal and external. The key is to make sure you're hanging out with possibility people ... not wet blankets.
Warmest Regards,
Barbara | 
