I have this friend, for the purpose of protecting the innocent, I will call this friend, "Jess." "Jess" loves all the swears. She is so prolific in her profanity that I promise you she knows curse words that I have never heard of. She even occasionally uses them in fun and whimsical ways, by attaching words like "waffle" and "saurus" to her swears.
I, on the other hand, try not to swear a lot. Not that I have an issue with others using any words that they would like, I just worry about getting so comfortable with it that I swear when I definitely shouldn't. That being said, I have noticed something. When 'Jess" and I have lunch or hang out, I swear like a sailor for the next several days. In fact, it is so noticeable that I will have those close to me, like my husband, say things like, "You had lunch with Jess this week didn't you?"
Why do I share this story? Because I know it is so easy to act like "Jess" when I spend time with her. Not that this is a bad thing, she just kinda rubs off. In fact, it is like this with everyone in my life. I have ultimately become the culmination of the people closest to me. I call these people the Legos of my life because they have built me into the woman I am today, flaws and all. I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that I would not be me if it weren't for the people in my life I have allowed to get close enough to make an impact.
How do the Legos in your life affect you? Are your Legos energy givers? Do they build you up? Do they inspire you not only to love them, but to love yourself? Or, are your Legos energy drainers? Do they exhaust you and make you into someone you don't even recognize?
There comes a time in everyone's life when they have to realize that they are not only a culmination of their life experiences, but the people around them. Many of us allow toxic people into our lives, simply because we feel guilty ending a friendship or other relationship (even harder when this toxic person is family). I tell people all the time that I swear it is easier to break it off with a significant other than a friend. If that's true (and it is), we are all very capable of allowing our Legos to become toxic in our lives by affecting us in negative ways and transforming our own attitudes and personas to ones full of negativity and pessimism.
This week, I am really going to encourage you to examine the Legos in your life. Do they bring you up pr do they tear you down? Do you like yourself when you are in their presence? If your Legos are not making you a better person, than I further encourage you to make some changes. we are all existing in a world right now full of stress and uncertainty, we all deserve to have some positivity in our lives. We need to choose to surround ourselves with individuals who light up or lives rather than darken our doorsteps.
I know that making changes like this is really hard, but you are important! Remember, you need to take care of yourself before you can take care of others and one of the quickest ways to fill your own cup is being loved and supported by those around you!
Comments