Stanisland Magazine

We discuss and embark on the path to self-discovery and navigate and overcome toxic friendships while cultivating trust for a fulfilling life experience.

More often than not, self-doubt can cast a shadow on our cognitive abilities, rendering our decisions unrecognisable. The erosion of trust in oneself prompts a cascade of questions about our choices and sanity.

Developing a robust relationship with oneself is equally, if not more, crucial than cultivating connections with others. Occasionally, our understanding of ourselves is disrupted by toxic friendships we believe are indispensable. These relationships impose irrational thoughts and actions, demanding a departure from practicality and rationality. To counter these influences, it becomes imperative to recognise and intercept them before they seize full control.

Using Pavlov’s dog on ourselves

Similar to Pavlov’s dog, we have the power to condition our minds and surroundings to challenge the norms of our psychological landscape. The reluctance to embrace this power often stems from the energy required to alter our trajectory. However, trusting ourselves is the key to unlocking the full spectrum of life’s experiences.

You may have encountered a clichéd adage suggesting, “In order to love others, you must first love yourself.” Despite its commonplace nature, this wisdom holds true in various forms and applications. It’s a reminder to prioritise our relationship with ourselves.

Choosing our associations significantly influences the character we build. As we age, we encounter individuals who harbour a pessimistic view of life, akin to horsemen perched on high horses, ready to charge away from any adventurous possibilities life presents. Liberating ourselves from such influences requires distancing from environments that nourish this negativity.

This process, however, challenges the foundation of social circles we once believed were indispensable for our chosen lifestyles. Friendships chosen based on career aspirations or the desire to emulate others often lead us away from those who genuinely uplift our spirits.

Seeking validation from those we don’t know

Human psychology is both intricate and straightforward. We tend to seek admiration from strangers while shying away from attention from close associates. This trait, common in school friendships, persists into adulthood, transforming into passive acceptance of relationships that do more harm than good.

Much like disposing of toxic goods, we must safely remove toxic friendships from our lives. A significant source of self-doubt often lies in the company we keep, shaping a substantial portion of our surrounding environment.

Associating with toxic individuals and their negative influence can have profound consequences on our identity. We may find ourselves adopting uncomfortable personalities to fit within their circle, leading to mental stress that permeates both mind and body.

Disentangling ourselves from these relationships is akin to tearing down the metaphorical Berlin Wall, allowing us to rediscover our authentic selves. In our pursuit of visibility, we sometimes forget to truly see ourselves. Preserving our core character becomes paramount. As we dismantle the barriers, we unearth the vibrant aspects of our souls that were once buried beneath layers of self-doubt.