In this week's Smiley Blue newsletter, we warmly welcome Ernest Woods, founder of ‘One Pitch’. He opens his heart about breaking free from toxic relationships and finding real peace - showing us it's always possible to choose a better path. His honest words and hard-earned wisdom remind us that we all deserve relationships that lift us up rather than drain us.

The Weight of Toxicity

Sometimes, it’s hard to recognise the weight we carry when we’re surrounded by toxic relationships or environments. It can creep in slowly—hidden in the day-to-day, buried under habits or emotions we’ve come to accept as “normal.” But here’s the truth: peace isn’t found in chaos, and the life you deserve is waiting for you when you’re ready to step into it.

I’ve lived this. For years, I carried the burden of trying to make things work with people who thrived in dysfunction—people who fed off chaos, manipulated reality, and denied responsibility for their actions. At the time, I thought I was being strong by staying, by fighting, by holding things together for the sake of appearances or shared history.

But the more I poured into those dynamics, the more I lost myself. My health suffered. My mental clarity dimmed. My sense of worth was eroded, not because I lacked value, but because I was surrounded by people who couldn’t—or wouldn’t—see it.

Signs of a Toxic Environment

Toxicity often shows itself in subtle ways. Maybe you feel drained after every interaction, or you’re constantly second-guessing yourself. Maybe the people around you fuel drama, create division, or thrive on control. It’s in the whispers of manipulation, the erosion of trust, and the way they rob you of your energy, clarity, or joy.

Finding Peace in Chaos

But just as toxicity reveals itself, so does peace—if you know where to look.

Peace is found in the moments when you can breathe deeply without tension. It’s in relationships where you feel seen, valued, and respected. It’s in knowing you can speak your truth without fear of retaliation or manipulation. Peace doesn’t mean changing life to be something it isn’t; it means fully embracing the perfection of life as it already is and no longer compromising your well-being for the comfort of others.

The Power of Self-Trust

When I reflect on my own journey, I realise the biggest step toward peace was learning to trust myself. I stopped trying to fix others, stopped justifying behaviors that hurt me, and started asking hard questions:

• Does this relationship uplift me or drain me?

• Am I free to be myself here, or am I shrinking to fit someone else’s expectations?

• Am I choosing this out of love, or am I afraid to let it go?

Choosing a New Path

There was a time when I couldn’t imagine leaving certain relationships. The weight of shared history, the fear of judgment, and the guilt of “giving up” kept me stuck. But now, looking back, I can see how stepping away from those dynamics saved my life.

I no longer live in a world where chaos reigns, where drama overshadows joy, or where people thrive on control. Every reminder of the dysfunction I left behind only solidifies how grateful I am to be where I am now. My mind is clear, my body is strong, and my relationships are filled with love, respect, and reciprocity.

If you’re feeling stuck, know this: you don’t need permission to let go of what no longer serves you. Peace begins the moment you decide you deserve it. You are not responsible for saving anyone but yourself.

And when you start to protect your peace, everything changes. You’ll feel lighter, stronger, and more aligned with who you truly are. You’ll see the beauty in life—not because it’s changed, but because you have embraced its perfection.

The journey isn’t always easy, but it’s worth it. Choose yourself. Choose peace. And watch how life unfolds in ways you never imagined.

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Ernest Woods, founder of “One Pitch” for sharing his personal and powerful story with the Smiley Blue community. Your courage in sharing your journey will undoubtedly touch and inspire many of our readers. Do connect with Lee at ‘One Pitch’ on Facebook HERE

Next week, we explore how Socratic wisdom transforms your mind into independent thought and self-discovery. Don't miss this journey into what it truly means to think for yourself - it could change how you view the world.