Pom in Oz with Derek Goforth: Do yourself a favour and cut toxic people out of your and your family’s lives

As a family man, a dad of three, and a husband, cutting toxic people out of my life has been one of the most important decisions I’ve made. Toxic people can have a significant impact on any family’s emotional and mental wellbeing, and it is my responsibility to protect my own loved ones from harm. Having toxic people in our lives can create unnecessary stress, tension, and conflict. I want my family to live in a peaceful and happy environment and by removing toxic people from our lives, we can create a more positive and supportive atmosphere that promotes emotional wellbeing. It also allows us to prioritise our relationships with each other. With three children and a busy family life, my wife and I have limited time and energy. Having toxic people around can drain us of our resources, leaving little left for each other and our children. By eliminating that toxic element, we can focus on our relationships with each other and our children, creating deeper and more meaningful connections. Furthermore, as a dad, it is essential to set an example for my children on how to deal with people like this. I am showing my children that it is OK to distance themselves from those who do not bring positivity or value to their lives. It teaches them to prioritise their mental and emotional wellbeing, as well as how to establish healthy boundaries. Toxic people can create unnecessary strain on anyone’s marriage, which can lead to conflict and resentment. By removing these individuals, my wife and I can focus on our marriage, building a stronger and healthier relationship. Of course it wouldn’t be a Pom in Oz opinion piece without at least mentioning my faith and relationship with God. From a Christian perspective, cutting toxic people out of our lives can mean letting go of individuals who are not living according to Christ’s teachings. For example, if someone in our lives is constantly gossiping or spreading negativity, we may need to distance ourselves from them to protect our own spiritual and emotional health. Christ teaches us to love others and to be kind and compassionate, but it also means setting boundaries to protect ourselves from harm. Another example could be cutting ties with those who have a negative influence on our faith. If someone in our lives is constantly trying to convince us to abandon our faith or to engage in behaviours that are not in line with Christian values, we may need to distance ourselves from them. Cutting toxic people out of our lives can also mean forgiving those who have hurt us, but not necessarily maintaining a close relationship with them. Ultimately, removing toxic people from our lives allows us to live more in line with Christ’s teachings, promoting peace, love and kindness. Derek Goforth is an expat of 13 years and father of three living and working in Geraldton