Detoxifying Your Life

When we think of detoxifying, we think of the obvious toxins. Things like drugs, alcohol, sugar and chemicals.

However there are all types of toxins in our lives. Being aware of what they are, how they affect us, and when it's time to do a ‘life detox’ is extremely important in finding peace.

These non-substance toxins are more subtle, and we are often more resistant to clean-ing up these areas of our lives.

Jobs, friendships, family relationships, habits, and living environments can all be toxic.

Much like with a substance, there is some type of payoff for engaging in, or with, these people, places, or behaviors. Conversely, there are negative consequences that affect our energy, sense of well-being and self-esteem.

Does your job, workplace, or boss cause you so much stress that the thought of going into work makes you feel physically ill?

Do you have a family member who manipulates, does all the taking or plays the blame game?

Is there a friend in your life who doesn't respect your boundaries?

Do your habits contribute to who you truly are, and the life you'd like to lead, or pull you away from that path?

These may not be easy questions to answer off the top of your head.

This is why pausing to do a life dissection every once in a while is so important.

There is no rush. Take your time and honestly assess each area of your life. Sure, noth-ing is perfect, but, ask yourself if there are areas in your life that feel off. Do you get a niggling feeling of discomfort with certain people, in certain situations, or when you do certain things? Have you brushed that feeling off in the past?

That niggling feeling of unease is your higher self (the you that is not controlled by your ego) telling you that things are not in alignment for you to live your most authentic life. When you brush off the discomfort, or make excuses for it, you are dishonoring yourself and crossing your own boundaries.

Funny thing about that inner whispering, the more you ignore it, the louder it gets until you are forced to pay attention.

Once you have data from your life dissection, you will be better equipped to make more mindful life choices. You don't have to quit anything cold turkey. You may not have to quit anything at all. Creating and enforcing boundaries for yourself and others, limiting engagement with people, places or things that don't bring out the best in you, and mak-ing tweaks in how you respond to things will go a long way in clearing out and managing the toxins.

Like most things in life, the key is to truly know yourself, and to honor the things that bring out the best, most authentic version of you.