Learning to say ‘Goodbye’ when the time is right

The trend of ‘cleansing’ one’s body and mind is becoming more and more popular right now – it’s a bit of a buzz word, perhaps due to the connotations that accompany it. The word implies a new start, freshness, health and cleanliness. Could this cleansing be applied to an entire lifestyle? What if we carried the application of cleansing our bodies of toxins to cleansing our relationships and social network from toxic people? What if we applied it to disengage from our toxic jobs that we don’t enjoy and dread every Sunday evening? Surely, there is logic in this, too. So often we put up with relationships and situations that we actually have a lot of control over – yet we sit in suffering and resentment. So many scientific studies have demonstrated the emotional and physical damage to our health by maintaining stressful and toxic relationships and circumstances. So why do we put up with it?

Perhaps it is because our culture tells us that prioritising ourselves is narcissistic and selfish. However, if you are enriched by those around you, you are enriched and encouraged to help others more meaningfully. If we run on a drained amount of energy, we are less willing to give, to care, to love – for ourselves and others. Thus, the spiral begins. At some point, it is really important to evaluate your relationships and circumstances – implement possible improvements, taking a break or simply ending an arrangement if it is not salvageable. Sometimes, saying goodbye allows you to say hello to so much more.