Matthew Lyle Landsman

Not a resolution as much as a simple serving notice…My world is about to get a whole lot smaller.
2014…I did learn something “last year”.
Sadly, hard lessons are our teachers.
This year, I am uninviting several sorts of toxic people from my life. Whether you’re a mean drunk who thinks I need to be put in my place, at the top of your voice…Or a controller who thinks I need to have my every move aligned to suit your sense of order. Or just an inconsiderate bully stepping on the lives of those around you…I bid you an un-fond adieu.
I don’t take orders or harsh criticism when none are called for. Period.
I vehemently stick up for the underdog. In an ideal world, these folks could fit in my life. In an ideal world, those fatal character flaws wouldn’t exist. BUT this is the real world…
For those who know me, you know I’m fair and give a handful of “second” chances. Well, this year my hands are full of the lives of those who are good to me. I will be shaking their hands, patting their backs, sharing their life burdens, and helping to herd their flocks (if I am needed there.)
As for the toxic and explosive and murmuring behind my back lot of you out there…be you my brother, my neighbor, my coworker…even the angry soul in a grocery line…I don’t need to know your “special” situations, self appointed exceptions, and excuses that require you to drink, or not to drink, and rule the world around you.
I don’t care about your insecurities that give you free reins to rule and dominate. I don’t owe you, and you don’t owe me…and even if something is owed, it doesn’t include interest that deprives me of my freedom, dignity, and peace of mind. You’ll get your due, and I’ll take my piece of the road.
There are no excuses accepted or passes coming from me. I will forgive, but not forget.
These people in my life are literally killing me, spiritually and physically. I have been allowing myself to be eaten alive by some terribly flawed souls. I choose to live without them.

Listen closely toxic ones; “I am no longer giving you my permission to destroy my humble life…”
It just can’t work any longer. I can’t continue to keep drinking the poison myself and waiting for another to take ill and or perish from my life…MLL