People are like elevators.  Some lift you up. Some take you down.  And, some keep you trapped in a little box, unable to move at all.

When you consider that the people you surround yourself with influence how you feel and live your life, there are times when it makes sense to hit the emergency button and get off the elevator.  This doesn’t mean that you become reactive and ruthlessly start cutting people out of your life.  We all have ups and downs and no one is perfect

So, how do you know when it’s really time to let someone go?  Start by asking yourself these questions: 

• Is there a long term pattern of negative behavior or worldview, or is this person going through a challenging time that is temporary?
• Is your perception of this person or their behavior even true or could it be seen differently?
• Are you contributing to the situation by jumping in to the negativity with them?  If so, what might happen if you shifted your behavior?
• Are they a part of a group or family that you value and want to stay connected to?
• On a scale of 1 to 10, how much is their negativity impacting you?

Once you have a deeper understanding of the situation, listen within.  What is your heart telling you?   The answers will be there.

And then, your choices become more clear:

• Keep things as they are
• Limit your exposure to their energy
• Have a powerful conversation asking for change
• Shift your behavior to see what happens
• Visualize being protected by a white light when you are around them
• Bless them and move on

Only you can decide whether to stay on their elevator or get off.  Whatever you choose, I encourage you to let your actions and communication be guided by compassion and love for all concerned (including yourself).   This will provide the best possible foundation for an outcome that serves everyone in the long run.