“Toxic” gets thrown around a lot lately as though it’s a disease we want to stay away from. “Get that toxic person away from me!” or “I only want positive people in my life.” When parents say something triggering, they’re toxic. When a partner or roommate has a meltdown over dirty dishes in the sink, they’re toxic. This is how we create distance. You are absolutely in charge of who you spend time with, but instead of writing them off, get curious about what they’re triggering in you.

In this episode we’ll look at the difference between someone who triggers painful emotions and actual toxicity. What are your expectations of them and why? Labeling someone as toxic is disempowering because your emotional state is in someone else’s hands; they’re “making” you feel angry, annoyed, etc. There’s a better way. Use the trigger as an opportunity for growth, and trust you’ll be ok no matter what other people do.