The Company You Keep

The people you associate with are important. They can affect your mood and self-confidence. They can inspire you to do better or encourage you to sink to their level.

 Some people complain about everything. And I mean everything. They are covetous of what others have. They can find the negative in any situation. They despise anyone who is doing better are trying to do better. In the course of hanging around them, you find yourself engaging in the same negative behaviours.

Some people are a pure joy to be around. They want to do better and encourage others to do the same. They recognize the negative, but don’t dwell on it. Hanging out with them is like a breath of fresh air. So what are your friends like?

Maybe it’s time to take an inventory. Think of each of your friends and ask yourself – How is this person a positive influence on my life? How do I feel when I am around them? Do we listen to each other and give positive feedback? Do you give each other constructive criticism when necessary?

Family is a little bit trickier. You can’t pick them. But you do have the power to pick your friends!

So what should you do to make sure that the people who you hang around with empower and support what you stand for rather than bring you down all of the time?

1.  Remember that you have the power to choose your friends. Choose wisely.
2. Your friends are a reflection of you. People will often associate you with the company you keep
3. Express to your friends how you feel about their negativity. If they care about you, they’ll respect your honesty. But don’t expect them to change either. If you choose to continue the friendship, then accept them as they are.
4. The same goes for your family. And if you think granny is going to change the way she’s been doing business for the past 50 years, you’re delusional. Just accept that’s the way she’s going to be and move on.