Hunter and Shylo - two of my most non-toxic assets

The term “toxic asset” entered the cultural lexicon during the recent financial debacle. In a nutshell, toxic assets are financial assets that can no longer be sold at a reasonable price because their value has fallen substantially. One can sell them at a loss or just let them sit and pray that they will eventually go up in value. Most people want to get rid of them as fast as they can so they don’t fall too far down the financial abyss. This is probably the smartest thing to do since they probably will only continue to drag you down if you don’t trash them as soon as possible.

In addition to the financial toxic assets you may have, did you ever stop and think about the other types of toxic assets in your life?  Our over extended finances and bad money habits are not the only toxic game in town. Maybe you have relationships that no longer nurture you or you have a life extracting job.  Material possessions you no longer need or that cost too much to maintain can also deplete your life energy. Organizations you belong to that take up too much time and no longer feed you can be toxic as well.

Toxic assets are not always external factors. Our own judgments and narrow points of views can be poisonous to our psyches as well. As I begin to clear out the toxic assets in my life, I’m making it a point to pay attention to the opinions I have about the things that no longer serve me. If I choose to rid myself of something, I can do so without feeling guilty or like I need to justify my decision. Self doubt, judgment, and being too hard on ourselves serve no positive purpose. If something or someone is not enhancing your life, chances are they never will.

I’m shedding many toxic things in my life right now. It’s easy to lament the wasted time I’ve spent on these bad investments, but instead I’m focusing on the self respect and peace of mind I’m gaining. Maybe life was not meant to be as hard and complex as I often make it. Maybe it can be somewhat easier when I eliminate all that no longer has value for me. By ridding myself of these things, I make room for life to be easier and more fulfilling.  I can then let go and allow into my life exactly what I need. Who knows what that will be, but it will be fun to find out. We’ll see!