It's said that we are the sum of the people who we spend the most time with. Who we let into our lives, who we call our friends, and who we allow close to our hearts can either help us rise or lead us to stray.
A few weeks ago, I was spending time with my younger brother. We had both agreed to keep an attitude of positivity, no complaints or being negative. Then all of a sudden, he got a phone call from a friend of his and his energy immediately shifted. He went from being positive, uplifting and enjoying our time together, to straight up negative Nancy. I was preparing dinner and ear hustling at the same time. After about 5 minutes of his constant complaining, I interjected and said to him, "I thought we weren't going to complain. You talked about that subject already at least four times." I then went back to what I was doing in the kitchen. After about 30 minutes, he ended his phone call.
Once I knew he could receive what I had to say, I asked him questions. "Why do you talk to people who cause your energy to shift?" As soon as you got on the phone with "P", you started acting differently. You were cussing, yelling and complaining. His response was, that's because "P" was negative. "Then why entertain it?" I asked. I said anytime I call someone, and they begin to be negative, I will cut the conversation short. Tell them that I wall call them back later. I am not going to sit there and entertain something that could potentially make me sick. I gave him a couple of examples of when I have exercised my right to hang up, just this week. I reminded him that bad company corrupts good character, and that the bible teaches us that if a non-thief hangs around a thief, he will become a thief. You definitely are the company you keep.
Protecting our values and personal integrity often means making intentional choices about our social circle. Here are some ways to evaluate and strengthen your relationships for a positive influence.
1. Evaluate your friendships.
-take a closer look at your relationships. Are there people who bring out the best in you, inspire you, or encourage you to grow? Surround yourself with those people.
2. Set Boundaries
-It may not be possible at times to remove negative influences from your life, especially if they are close family members or coworkers. When you set healthy boundaries, it can help you maintain your values while preserving these relationships.
3. Seek Out Positive Role Models
-Find people who embody the qualities you aspire to have - kindness, integrity, humility and learn from them.
Always remember it matters who we surround ourselves with. By choosing relationships that nurture our growth and challenge us to be better, we can protect our character, stay true to our values, and perhaps even inspire others to do the same.
Sending you love, light and positive vibes,
Cassie K.
"Always remember to LIVE life to the fullest, to LAUGH at everything and to LOVE unconditionally!"
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