Live happy

I recently read Unclutter Your Life. It goes well beyond tips for cleaning out your closet (although that's in there). The book is divided into three sections that discuss the physical, mental, and emotional clutter in our lives. The following passage about toxic relationships struck me as pertinent to postings from some of my Vox neighbors on relationship challenges, forgiveness, and putting an end to unhealthy or unsatisfying interactions.

"Sometimes a situation can be so destructive that we may need to limit contact or even drop a relationship. This can be tough, especially if it involves someone with whom we share a long history. But it's quality and not the length of the relationship that matters. When things cease to be healthy, we have to preserve our mental and spiritual well-being."

I'm a firm believer that we bear personal responsibility for the quality of our lives. Relationships are a huge part of the life experience. I think it's vital to seek out positive relationships and avoid or end those that are overwhelmingly negative. Life's too short to spend it with people who consistently show disrespect, contravene our values, bring us down, stress us out, or sap our strength.

While there are instances when it's best to sever ties, there are definitely times when it's appropriate to forgive and let go of resentment or hurt. I've had occasion to take both paths, and I made the decision based on the overall quality of the relationship rather than the impact of a particular incident or transgression.

I don't think we should take the pursuit of our own happiness to the point where we become selfish and cruel. I do believe a moderate level of self-interest and desire for harmony and contentment is healthy.