One of the biggest, most impactful lessons I have learned in my health journey the last few years is this:
Who you surround yourself with is one of the factors leading to the person you become.
What do I mean by this? It's simple really, but sometimes it takes time to figure it out, and that's okay, because experience is also a valuable teacher. The fact is, if you are surrounded by people - friends, colleagues, acquaintances or whatever the group of influencers in your life happens to consist of - who are negative, condescending, not encouraging, who are not concerned about their own personal growth or happiness, then guess what? That becomes the new normal for you. It becomes the standard you hold yourself to, and that isn't a very high bar.
It isn't always easy to do, but surrounding yourself with people who care about their own emotional, physical and spiritual wellbeing will reflect positively on the person you are, or are hoping to become. It becomes natural, normal and it feels great, quite frankly.
If you have goals like I did (and I'll share them below), it is so important to make these a part of every facet of your life, including the people you allow into your life. This might mean, changing friend groups or even careers and joining things you might have considered out of your comfort zone before.
Some of the goals I had, some of which I still work on, and maybe you do, too, include:
• fueling my body with healthy food
• leading a fit and active lifestyle
• spending money wisely while still enjoying life
• making my outside appearance reflect how I feel inside
• looking at life and struggles with gratitude and reflection, rather than negativity
• helping others as I help myself
• removing toxic elements from my body and lifestyle ( like alcohol and sugar)
• pursuing dreams I have had since childhood
• become more organized in work and life
• doing things that make me uncomfortable in order to grow
The list goes on, but you get the idea.
The thing is, once I changed my mind about the life I wanted for myself and started to wholeheartedly pursue my goals, I had to let a few things....and people go, and also (here's the fun part) allow others into my life with open arms. It is amazing how you will suddenly attract new, positive, glowing souls and awesome experiences or opportunities that quickly become a part of your normal everyday life. I enjoy the company of so many wonderful women in my life these days, and I know they share the goals -- their own versions, of course -- that I do. The experiences and opportunities simply build from there and every day is a new adventure. I love that.
These are women who lift me up by pursuing their own dreams and encourage me by example. These are the people you want to surround yourself with and consider your tribe.
This experience has taught me that I need to continue to attract these friends and share my own experiences so that other women can follow suit. Remember, who you surround yourself with is who you become. If that sounds daunting or overwhelming because you don't know where to start, start here. I have set up the perfect place.