Avoiding Gossip and the Negativity Trap

Did you hear about....we all know what comes after that opening. Gossip! I think we have all been guilty of getting sucked into gossip at one time in our life or another. Gossip is defined as a rumor or report of intimate nature. It is mainly negative and has little to no value.

So, what is the difference between venting and gossiping? Venting releases pent-up frustration about a person or situation. It is not done with malice or ill intent. Gossip is spread with malicious intent. Venting can be healthy while gossip never is.

From past experience, I can tell you that gossip is very easy to find, but quite difficult to escape once you are caught in the trap. The first step to getting out is to acknowledge your part in it. Are you feeding into this negativity? Are you absorbing it? Are you participating? Are you bringing your home problems to work or vice versa? Are you constantly complaining? Once you identify your own part, it is easier to get out. And trust me, taking a hard look at yourself is not pleasant, but necessary.

The first step is to break the cycle! If you do not participate, it cannot affect you. For a while, I was really good at shutting it down. Then I got sucked in, and wow, has it been hard finding my way back to that peace and tranquility. When I do not participate or allow the negativity around me, I am light, happy, and pleasant to be around. When I get sucked in, I am crabby, short, and excuse my French - a mega bitch!

Another way is to treat everyone equally. Feelings tend to get hurt or people get upset when they feel there is favoritism for one reason or another. This can incite gossip and negativity. In fact, you are almost guaranteed it. Making sure everyone feels appreciated and equal can help keep gossip and negativity at bay. Often, there are personal things going on with a person that we do not know about. Try to be kind even to those you may not "click" with and don't take it personally. ( I know, I know, easier said than done!)

Sometimes the best way to avoid it is to simply walk away when it begins. We can only control ourselves. I have never seen gossip and negativity lead to anything productive. I have found the best way is to just avoid it altogether. Or try to change the subject to something more positive. I like to say, I understand but...and then interject something positive or possible solutions.

If all else fails, you may have to analyze your situation. Maybe your friend group isn't right for you. Maybe your workplace is toxic. Maybe your relationship isn't healthy. Cutting people out of your life or making changes to bring yourself peace and positivity is not wrong! I am wishing everyone peace and positivity for the upcoming week. Love and light.