The People We Surround Ourselves With
A long walk home through the alleys of Park Hill had me reflecting on something simple but powerful: who and what we choose to surround ourselves with. It is easy to get caught up in shiny distractions like expensive toys, dream vacations, or the approval of people who do not really value us. Sure, riding a jet ski from a yacht to a remote island sounds amazing. But at the end of the day, it is not things that sustain us. It is people.
Not just any people, either. The ones who make us feel seen and supported. The friends and family who show their love and care not only with their words but with consistent actions. When I think about who I want to spend my most precious currency, my time, with, a few qualities rise to the top.
Kindness
At the top of the list is kindness. True kindness is more than being nice to your friends; it is the way someone treats everyone. It is the thank you to the stranger who holds the door, the patience with a server who is overwhelmed, the ability to stay grounded when frustration could easily take over. Kindness is a lens that colors every interaction, big or small. And when you surround yourself with kind people, it changes the way you move through the world too.
Trustworthiness
We all need people we can trust with our truth. A trustworthy friend is someone who can hold space for your messy, vulnerable moments. They listen when you are low, they do not weaponize your words, and you know what you share stays safe with them. Trust creates a foundation of calm, because you do not have to second-guess where you stand or whether your heart is safe in their presence.
Pride and Support
A good friend is not just present when you are succeeding; they are there when you are stumbling too. They celebrate your wins, but they also remind you of your worth when you doubt yourself. They believe in you even when you cannot quite believe in yourself. They do not just say they are proud of you; they show it by lifting you up, encouraging you through your fears, and reminding you of the truth you sometimes forget: you are capable, you are valuable, and you are enough.
Extra Advice: Choosing Your Circle
As I have thought about this week, I keep coming back to the idea that we root ourselves in the people we let closest. So, ask yourself:
Do the people in my life reflect the values I want to live by?
Do they leave me feeling lighter, stronger, more hopeful, or drained and small?
Would I be proud if I treated others the way they treat me?
We cannot always choose every person in our orbit, but we can choose who we invest deeply in. Protect your time and energy. Spend them on people who add to your life rather than take from it.
And maybe, most importantly, work on being that person for others. Be the friend who is kind, trustworthy, and genuinely proud of those around you. Because the more we show up with love, the more it ripples back into our own lives.
People are the roots. Choose wisely who you let keep you grounded, and who you let grow alongside you.