"I'm Addicted to You, Don't You Know That You're Toxic"



“I’m Addicted to You, Don’t You Know That You’re Toxic”
No, we are not talking about the song by Brittney Spears, although it is the only song that I do like of hers. With the recent deaths in the news of actors and public faces due to drug overdose, it makes me ponder about how we intoxicate ourselves. We intoxicate ourselves not only with substances like drugs and alcohol, but also with negativity from our surroundings, as well as what we conjure up within ourselves. 
So, how do we detox? It is a lot easier said than done. It all starts with loving ourselves, as well as everyone around us.  There is a particular stigma in society that exists for people with addictions. People are judged for having a lack of control. They are also judged for having the ability to choose whether or not to take part in their intoxications. Substances like drugs and alcohol are much more frowned upon, as compared to let’s say a shopping addiction. Having facilitated co-occurring groups, and substance abuse groups, I must say there is a lot more to it than simplistic solutions and assumptions. Who are these “addicts?” It is the teenage girl who was repeatedly gang raped by her brother’s friends, and turned to drugs to eliminate the pain. It is the young woman who watched her fiancé get shot and murdered during their morning commute into the city. It is the young man who tried it once, and was hooked for life. We are quick to judge others, and yet do very little to help the problem. Sometimes if we dole out an ounce of love, it facilitates the process for those in need, to love themselves. All of us did not grow up privileged, nor did we all have a strong support system. If reaching out to others is out of your element, then radiate your love and light, by getting rid of that stigma, and educate yourself as well as others. You will see how much you in turn, will further love yourself.
As for detoxificating ourselves from our own negative notions; love thyself. Love every little ounce and portion of yourself. Embrace YOU. Rid yourself of toxic individuals who bring you down, and forms of media that leave you feeling low as opposed to a good “high.”On a post-it, write three things that you adore about yourself, and leave it on your computer as a reminder of how lovable you are. I kept a post-it on my bedroom mirror growing up, that said “BEST” on it. That simple word reminded me to do my best each day no matter what. This little reminder stood out every morning, telling me that I am doing the best that I can do in life, and that I will continue and strive to do so. I wonder if my little post-it is still there now…
We all need love, and we crave it, just like we do air…and chocolate. All of the negativity that we immerse ourselves in, is just as toxic as any substance. Let go of those negative feelings by loving others, and you will see how you will conjure up positivity within yourself. Give a little post-it to loved ones, and colleagues that you spend the majority of your day with, but hardly speak to. And even dole out a few to complete strangers.  In the words of Brittney’s ex, Justin Timberlake, “What Goes Around, Comes Back Around.” You give a little bit of love, a whole lot of love will come back to you.

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