Toxic is a Toxic trait.

Toxicity: 

1. the quality, state, or relative degree of being poisonous

 2. an extremely harsh, malicious, or harmful quality

Yesterday, I  witnessed toxicity in full force.  I was naive to believe people themselves could be toxic. I knew of toxic relationships, and friendships- I have experienced quite a few. But I always went on to believe and tell myself it was a mutual toxicity. We just didn’t blend well together, we didn’t have the same morals, or beliefs, and mutually the relationship itself was toxic. 

Then, I was enlightened that a whole human being by themselves (or with a group) can just be absolutely toxic people- for no reason. I didn’t realize people could live the only life they get so angry, about everything. 

It’s really unfortunate that’s how people choose to live sometimes. I was preached to about how this is my life, my only chance at life, and to have no regrets about it. Why would you spend it being angry? You could think of a lot of maybes- maybe they didn’t have a good childhood, maybe they’ve never experienced what its like to be loved, maybe they have experienced so much bad, they’ve decided there is no more good. But truthfully when it comes down to it, sometimes this is just the way people are. They have angry personalities and will make a problem about anything they can get their mind and hands on. 

These people could be anyone- friends, romantic relationships,  coworkers, a general public figure or face, maybe someone you just happen to run into. The worst type of toxic, angry people in our lives though would have to be, family. 

What do you do when your own family has become a toxic figure in your life? Not just one of them, but most of them! A whole clan of them! It’s simple. You remove them. Just like you would remove a toxic friendship or toxic relationship, you simply remove them. You don't call to check up on them, you don't text them, you don't stalk their Facebook and social media to see how they're doing, don't drive past their house. Just simply, Remove Them. They are not relevant in the only life you have to live. People who hurt you and put you down simply because that is the personality they have developed, are irrelevant. They are not worth it. Not worth your tears, your hate, your anger- absolutely not worth it.

If I’ve learned one very important thing in 21 years, it’s that blood and DNA shared does not mean family in the slightest bit. Some of the people I consider my closest family are in fact not actually family at all.  Yes. It’s hard to see your family turn into something you never expected, and for your own family members to turn on you- but quite honestly, it’s typical. It's hard to see some families so close, and then your own family so messed up. You have the ability to pick your family, you are not forced to love someone and accept someone just because you share the same last name and blood. To remove them from your life is not mean or selfish. You are not in the wrong for choosing to better yourself and create a happy lifestyle, choosing to live without negative people. 

There is not enough time in life to surround yourself with toxic people. They will not change, they will not realize or accept they are hurting you, and when you go, they will not believe it is their fault no matter how much you try to explain- they are toxic. They are poisonous. You become who you surround yourself with. If you surround yourself with angry people, you will become angry. 

To all the non-toxic people in my life. Thank you. Thank you for being the positive influence and reinforcement we all need everyday. As long as we stick together, nothing can tear us down. Not even the worst toxic person.