Over the past year I have really been aware of who I keep communication with in my daily life. I’ve had friends come and go over the years due to many different circumstances. Sometimes it was simply because we’ve grown up and grown apart. But for others it was for reasons much deeper reasons.

I’ve been emotionally hurt by people in my life. And I am slowly learning how to let go of carrying all the guilt for why the relationship may have ended. I am now realizing that it the old saying “it takes two to tango” really is true. It takes two people to form and to keep up a relationship.

Within the past 6 months I have been actively surrounding myself with people whom bring me up as a person. I continue to understand the importance of surrounding yourself with like-minded people.

I’m a positive person. I don’t like drama, and I stay away from trouble. I choose to act kindheartedly toward people, and try to see the best in every person that I meet. Therefore, I have began to decrease my communication with people who focus their energy on irrelevant aspects of the lives of others. For example, I have a friend who is always on social media and criticizing the decisions and social posts of others. Recently, I realized that the negative energy was affecting my own emotions. So, I actively try to be more aware of the conversations I have with that individual. My friend is a great person, don’t get me wrong, but for the sake of my own well-being I could not continue hearing the negative and judgemental comments.

Surrounding yourself with like-minded people will get you far in life. Recently my career goals and future goals have changed to emphasize my capabilities. I want to experience great success both academically and professionally. I begin my new academic chapter in the fall, and I will actively choose to be around advisors and colleagues that have similar outlooks to mine. I want to be around people who share the drive to want to be successful in life.

When you choose to surround yourself with like-minded people, everyone will encourage each other to be successful which will in turn help produce your own success.

I challenge you to start taking note of the people in your life that are not positively influencing your emotions. If someone is being a negative Nancy, try taking a break from that person. You don’t have to completely shut them off, but just see how the level of communication can change the emotions that you experience throughout your daily life. You are not cutting out friends,you are bringing awareness to the friends who encourage you to be the best version of yourself. 

Being with these positive people will help you to live your life everyday! 

-Liv xo