“Tell me what company thou keepst, and I’ll tell thee what thou art.” – Miguel de Cervantes (1547 – 1616) Spanish novelist.
Ever since we were young, we are told in one way or another that the friends we surround ourselves with will have a major effect on our character in the long run. This idea is difficult to accept when you want to see yourself as an island. Though as we mature, and become more receptive we will surely find this principle to be true.
Like attracts like, and whether you agree or not, the people and environment you surround yourself with has a huge impact on the quality of your life experience, and the results you see in your own life. Many of us with a life long commitment to personal development, self-mastery, and contributing to a better world have huge goals and vision for themselves and their surroundings.
There are times when people go through an inner growth, and all their old friends and toys are no longer in line with their vision for life. Like a child no longer interested in carrying around his favorite toy. If you desire health, wealth, and happiness for yourself, and most of the people you surround yourself with are lazy, complaining, couch potatoes–do not expect your results to show up quickly, if at all. To attract and expand a greater capacity for yourself to grow into a healthier, wealthier, happier you, it is imperative that you begin to associate with those who live the same way and are willing to put forth energy to live it.
A Common Trap
The trap many people fall into is that they suddenly become inspired to change their life around, but keep the same environment. In the begining stages, your enviroment is more powerful than any willpower you have. Unproductive habits die hard, especially when they continue to be subconsioully fed by your surroundings. By continuing to be around the people who encourage your unproductive behaviors, you will find it near impossible to break free from you old ways. Believe it or not, there are “friends” who actually get jealous to see you succeeding. There are people, some you have know your whole life, they will tell you they are glad for your successes, though secretly they harbor an envy towards you. Anyone, who is not genuinely happy for you to succeed is not a real friend at all. This sort of unsupportive energy should be cut off and starved immediately, regardless of how long you have known someone. Toxic energy will only slow your development, and once recognized should be eliminated, so new seeds of positive supportive friends and habits can be planted and nurtured.
Yes, that sounds right. But how do I drop friends I’ve known my whole life?
This is a difficult question, and one that I hear a lot. Leaving behind unsupported people you’ve known for many years is one of the most difficult things someone committed to self-mastery is called on to do.
Declining an invitation that does not serve your highest vision for yourself is not rude. Letting a call go to voice mail is not rude. If certain people do not see your potential for development, and have no desire to expand their own horizons, they are only hindering you. The world is better off with you working on yourself, refining your character, and blessing the world with your gifts as a natural by-product.
Somewhere in the human mind their may still be a voice of scarcity, telling you that you will be lonely without friends if you decide to move on. This is because your conditioned mind is trying to protect you, it is uncommon to move on from people whom you have assoociated with your whole life, therefore uncomfortable, therefore dangerous to the limited perspective of the human brain. Your limited mind will always encourage you to walk the old familiar path even if it is one that no longer serves you. It wants you to keep you “safe.” Here comes a time for you to rely on your Higher intuition, your inner guidance. You must trust that the universe will bring you the right people at the right time for you.
The universe abhors a vacuum. By taking certain influences out of your life, it is important that you enter into a zone that will be more supportive of your new purpose. Otherwise, your old habits will attempt to draw you back in like a magnetic field. It is important that you find a way to plant new seeds for positive, healthy, supportive friendships as you remove the old stagnating ones. Find a group or two of like minded people whom you can associate with on a weekly basis; and commit to getting out of the house to meet. Want to be wealthier? Hang out with people who talk live and discuss wealth. Want to enjoy a greater connection with Spirit? Surround yourself with people who are committed to the same. Want to live a healthier lifestyle? Choose to be around people who live it! Checkout Meetup.com, or do a local search for your city for things that you are interested in an support you. Find something to busy yourself with, and stick with it.
Not only will your plans and vision be given a new fresh life and perspective, you will be surprised at the new friendships, relationships, and opportunities that show up in your life.
If you have already set an intention, or a vision for you life–declared it out loud the the universe and yourself, and trust in the great law of life to fulfill it–it will be yours.
gabrielg Environment, Friends, Habits, Influences, Surroundings, Toxic Energy, Vision, Vision Supporters, Willpower
