What constitutes a healthy from a toxic expectation? Here are 7 guidelines covering ability to deliver, the power of a process, fairness and justice, and a commitment to one’s conviction. Note that a heathy expectation has the power to yield amazing results! . “Treat a man as he is and he will remain as he is. Treat a man as he can and should be and he will become as he can and should be.” - Stephen R. Covey

Should we? Shouldn’t we? As Alex Pope declared: “Blessed is he who expects nothing, for he shall never be disappointed.” But can we even help it? I think not. But two issues remain: what will I expect? And from whom? Regardless, it’s good to note what this legend had to say about expectations: “I’m not in this world to live up to your expectations and you’re not in this world to live up to mine.” - Bruce Lee

We need to be reminded. The energy to lose it is just so powerful that unless there is a much greater force controlling us, the pursuit of gentleness will be less than encouraging. It’s not the amount of time we put in something that show what we value most, it’s what controls us and what is most overwhelming….so know why it is worth and remember it!

There is absolutely no situation where you can’t hold it and keep your calm. But put them all situations together, and amidst your constantly challenged emotions and evolving dispositions, without a doubt, sometimes you’ll “down and out!” I think we call become more chill when we think less of what we are entitled to, and more of what we are responsible for.

“It is the weak that expresses aggressiveness to show strength, but real strength, is in the gentle.” - Nurudeen Ushawu. “It’s in the gentle,” and consistently gentle at that! Let’s go beyond just wanting to make it happen to actually getting it done!

It’s gentle habit forming day today and everyday!

Sometimes we change because of the gains behind the change; sometimes, we change because we can no longer stand the losses without changing. So, here’s a listing of eight (8) losses when we don’t quit losing it! “If you have been brutally broken, but still have the courage to be gentle to other living beings, then you’re a badass with the heart of an angel.” - Keanu Reeves

“It has been well demonstrated that you can change your life by changing your attitude toward it. People ask, “How is life treating you?” A better question is, “How are you treating life?”- James K. Papp. So, my friend how are YOU treating life, and all its chaos within? The “chill” is not to change the situation; it’s to alter our disposition.

It is time to chill! Toxicity around us – and within us – will be an occasional reality. How can we grow - and glow - amidst toxicity - as individuals, and as a community? Why and how can we leave a legacy of being “lights in darkness” inspiring and equipping future generations to come?

It’s inevitable, eventually, you are “It!” At such times, the key is to humble thyself and to A.C.T. on it! No spoilers, so sit back and take a few moments to do what is needed to overcome those moments you are the “weakest link.” Learn the habit, because it will happens several times over your lifetime!

C’mon, go beyond survival, level up! Living with toxicity doesn’t have to rule out productivity! Here are 9 concrete ways to get things done – and done well – amidst an environment of toxicity.