We don’t choose to expose ourselves to radioactivity because, depending on the dose, it will cause mild sickness or even death. But to a great extent, we do choose the people we spend our time with, and some can be as emotionally toxic to our minds (and, therefore, our success and happiness) as plutonium is to our bodies.

Emotional toxicity is so prevalent in our lives that we usually don’t even recognize it; it’s as invisible as radiation. I recently spoke with a CEO about one of my coaching programs that contains some specific rules of engagement, including no whining, no excuses and no trash talking yourself or others during the 12-week coaching period. The owner contemplated these rules and said, “If my employees can’t talk about those things, what are they gonna talk about?”

Whining, excuses and trash talking are all emotional toxic waste, as are blaming, justifying and shaming. They hurt your self-esteem and confidence and leave you feeling like a victim.

To avoid the insidious effects of emotional toxic waste, consider:

• Choosing to be around only nontoxic, uplifting people.
• Choosing to be an uplifting person.
• Detoxing your brain.

Negative emotions spread like a virus.

Avoid exposure and build immunity.

Do you have the courage to avoid, minimize or end relationships that poison your happiness?  Let me know by leaving your comments and thoughts below.