Are you surrounding yourself with the right kind of people? As I grow older I’m realizing just how important it is to surround myself with people who inspire me- people who bring out the best version of myself. People who make me want to do better, be better.
Have you ever met one of those people who, when you walk away from the conversation, you find yourself smiling- simply because something about their personality inspired you? One of those people who are filled with such a light and joy that you just want to spend time around them? My friend Mallory Ervin reminded me in one of her podcasts that each relationship we have influences us- online and offline. And the great part is- we get to choose who we surround ourselves with.
In her podcast she poses some questions that made me think. I actually stopped and wrote down my answers. So, take a moment and think about this {bonus points if you actually write it down!}:
- Who are you being influenced by {friends, coworkers, family, bloggers, etc}
- Who are you influencing {your children, friends, family, coworkers, online, etc.}
- If it’s true, and you really are the sum or average of your 5 closest friends, what does that say about you?
We have one life and we get to choose what we make of it. I’ve designated a chunk of time this weekend so I can sit down with a cup of coffee and really think about the kind of person I want to be. What traits do I want to possess? What ‘energy’ do I want to put out into the world? Once I have that list I want to compare it to the people I surround myself with. Do these people reflect who I want to become? Can they help me get there?
Today I want to remind you to surround yourself with people who fill your soul- online and offline. Surround yourself with people who draw you closer to the person you want to become- people who help you create the life and legacy you want to leave behind. Surround yourself with ‘salt of the earth’ kind of people and do your best to become one yourself. Surround yourself with the right kind of people. The influence others have on you is powerful. But also remember- YOUR influence on others is powerful. It’s time to decide the type of person you want to be and the type of influence you make on those around you!
A few people I love following online are:
{in alphabetical order}
Madison Nelson {website :: instagram}
Mallory Ervin {website :: instagram}
Olivia Rink {website :: instagram}
Sazan {website :: instagram}
Who should I add to this list?
Who are some people who inspire you?
Or what books or podcasts inspire you?
get inspired by some of my favorite books here
white tee {$4} :: blazer :: shorts old, similar here on sale for $14
shoes {use the code ChloeArnold for a discount!} :: sunglasses
I am inspired by positive people. I’ve found the older I get that I really only want to be around people that inspire me to be a better person. It’s not about the number of people around you it’s the quality of people around you. This post is a great reminder of just that!
Motivated people are the most positive and inspiring people that I surround myself with. A lovely read for a lovely reminder to stop and make sure good people are around you!
It is a nice question and it has brought me to some realization, I am surrounded with the right people? Heck yes, I am satisfied with my work now and my workmates, and I am beyond happy with my boyfriend. And I am quite selective on befriending people. I know it has disadvantages and advantages too, but I am trying to be wise and save myself from stress by choosing the wrong people in my life.
What you read is very important as well. I find it important to be in the Word daily. God has very important instruction on how to live and positively inspire others.
I get inspired by my friends, and I listen a lot to motivational speakers. I try the best I can to isolate myself from people with negative influence on me.
Great post! As I get older I think about this question often. And I’ve realized that I have subconsciouslh surrounded myself with positive inspiring people because, simply put, it makes me feel good to be around good people! I try to be as positive and inspiring to others as they are to me!
It’s important to remember that your friends can and will change throughout your life. Family has been the true constant in mine. Surrounding yourself with positive people, people who encourage you to go after your dreams, is crucial.
I’m having trouble with my teenage daughter and this is something we’ve talked with her about. Great info, questions and things to talk about with this post. Very helpful!
I do believe that you over a period of time become the average of five people around you. But it is not the numbers but the quality of people around us which helps us to grow and become better human beings.
I previously had many ‘toxic’ people around me. But since the beginning of this year, I have started breaking connections with them. It feels so peaceful and content when I have those people around me who actually uplift me! ❤
This was a very good and thought-provoking post. And I loved how you used this space to also shed light to some of your other friends. That’s what friends should always do. Lift each other up. I wish I could come up with an answer to some of your questions but I can’t. I realize after reading this that when I was working out of the home I used to surround myself by some pretty positive people. But since my son was diagnosed with special needs and I am home with him 24/7, I’m not really around a whole lot of people with the exception of church. Great people, but only a couple of hours a week. Guess it’s time to fix this!
This is something I struggle with alot because I have so many friends from so many walks of life and from different times in my life. There are many I am not compatible with in the least, but “keep the connection”…and struggle to do so in many aspects. It’s a true gift when you find people who share your interests and like minds. This is a fantastic topic and not one that you see every day, nicely done!