The people you surround yourself with have the power to shape your reality. Some will lift you up, encourage your growth, and celebrate your achievements, but others will do the opposite, draining your energy and limiting your potential.

Toxic people won’t support you, they’ll downplay your success, mock your dreams, or make you feel small because your progress forces them to face their own stagnation. Whether you’re growing in your career, reaching a personal goal, or even meeting someone who makes you happy, toxic people often can’t stand to see you rise. They want to see you stay where you are.

They’ll cast doubt on your path, question your choices, and make you feel as though you’re asking for too much. But the truth is, their negativity isn’t about you, it’s a reflection of their own insecurities and limitations. They are projecting their fears onto you, trying to stop your growth because, for them, it’s too painful to see you shine when they feel stuck in their own shadows.

The Silent Damage of Toxic Energy
When you’re around toxic people, their negativity can slowly get into your head, making you question your worth and decisions. At first, their comments might not seem like a big deal:
“That’s too risky.“
“Why are you wasting your time?“
“You’re not ready for that.“
“Who do you think you are?“

You might brush them off at first, but over time, those words start to stick. You begin to doubt yourself, second-guess your choices, and hold back from opportunities. It’s not that you’re not capable, it’s that their negativity has made you believe you’re not.
It’s like trying to grow a plant in bad soil. The plant has the potential, but it’s being held back. If you’re surrounded by toxic people, how can you expect to grow?

Toxic people come in many forms, but some signs are universal. They:

• Downplay your achievements, making you feel like you don’t deserve success.
• Make everything about themselves, never celebrating your growth.
• Discourage your dreams, telling you it’s too hard, too far, or too risky.
• Drain your energy, leaving you feeling exhausted and uninspired after spending time with them.

These are just a few signs, but there are many more. Pay attention to how people make you feel. If they leave you questioning your self-worth or holding back your potential, they may be toxic to your growth.

You have the right to choose who you allow into your life. Not everyone deserves your energy, and not everyone will understand or support your growth. But you don’t need the approval of everyone. Surround yourself with those who uplift you, challenge you to be better, and celebrate your victories, no matter how big or small.

Here are some ways to protect your energy:

• Set Boundaries – If someone is continuously draining your energy or holding you back, it’s time to set boundaries. Be clear about what you need and who you’re willing to allow in your space.
• Limit Your Exposure – If you can’t completely remove toxic people from your life, limit your time with them. Protect your peace by choosing when and how much access they have to you.
• Surround Yourself with Support – Cultivate relationships with people who encourage your growth. Find those who inspire you, who challenge you, and who genuinely want to see you thrive.
• Stay Focused on Your Goals – Whether you’re climbing the career ladder, achieving a personal goal, or finding happiness with someone new, stay focused on your journey. Don’t let anyone derail your progress because they can’t handle your growth.

Your light is yours to shine, but some people will try to dim it because it makes them uncomfortable to see you grow. Whether you’re achieving success in your career, meeting someone who makes you happy, or just leveling up in life, keep shining. Don’t let the wrong people, their negativity, or their insecurities stop you from reaching your full potential.

“Some people will try to dim your light because it shines too bright for them. Keep shining anyway. The right people will appreciate your glow. Protect your energy, guard your mind, and choose your circle wisely.”