The people you choose to be around, you also choose their influence. By allowing them into your life, your circle, you’re allowing them access to shape you and your experiences.

Example: when I was first starting into the adventure world, I was in a new relationship.

This relationship was an important one in my development, but it also had a lot of issues and red flags.

I chose to ignore and look past a lot because I wanted that relationship at the time. But as I did so, I was looking past my own needs and how much it influenced me.

There were times I can recall where something would happen that would internally not rest well with me. Actions that hurt, but he or I would convince myself otherwise and it was just a part of it all.

So, I accepted that. For years I played that game. Being drawn in but constantly hurting each other. Ignoring the fact that we weren’t helping each other move forward in life, let alone within the relationship.

There was one night I remember where I was so upset I hit a breaking point and fell to the floor crying. He just watched, looking down at me.

What do we tell/teach ourselves when we surround ourselves with that type of relationship/person? How do you think you’re going to live and grow in a place like that?

Not efficiently towards your best life and self, I can promise you that.

Now, years later, I headed back to the same town where I learned to live. It’s always a drive, but this time I have someone by my side who was willing to make it more bearable.

At the end of the first night, we decided to pull over at a rest stop because we were both exhausted. Once we parked the car he reached over and pulled me into a deep, insanely comforting hug.

I didn’t realize I needed it, but I definitely did. I felt all my tension and tiredness release. I felt loved and supported. I got taken aback.

We just finished driving 20+ hours and his first instinct was to hug me?

I can’t explain how wonderful that felt.

When you surround yourself with the right people for you (your best self, best growth) it’s amazing what can happen. How little moments become magic. How things light up and fall into place.

What do we tell ourselves when we surround ourselves with people and relationships like that? That we are enough, worthy of what we want, desire and dream of. That we can live our best lives in abundance.

Who you surround yourself with matters.