I’m a big believer in finding our circle, and squad. Individuals who have similar ideas, beliefs, and values is important because they will encourage, support, and cheer us on. It’s great to be around people who get us, who understand us because of our similarities.

As important as it is to find like-minded people, it’s important to also be open to others un-like us. I’m not talking about being around negative Nancies, soul-suckers and/or energy drainers…no no! We all have these kind of people in our lives but it’s best if we love them from afar. People who have different views, ideas, beliefs, those who have different backgrounds and have endured different experiences….that’s what I’m talking about. Being open and listening intentionally and wholeheartedly, will allow us to have a better understanding, to grow, and expand our world.

Opening Up

Whether in our personal or professional lives, we are encouraged to find our people, ones who will bring out the best in us. Like-minded individuals bring the energy and motivation we need. Just like Jim Rohn said “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” therefore, we have to choose our people wisely. Ultimately, they can and most likely will determine our success.

I have been fortunate to find my circle, people who pour love, kindness, and support onto me. The way they show up in life inspires and motivates me to do and be my best. They allow me to grow and expand on my own views. Often times, the growth I’ve had has come from opening up and welcoming others with different views and beliefs. At times, it is regarding political, religious or other social issues, topics that are meant to separate us but we can’t allow that. Sure, we may not always see eye to eye but my hope is to find a better way to connect even with differences and disagreements, because quite honestly, it’s part of life.

Getting to know others who may think differently allows us to widen our perception of the world. Truth is we don’t have all the answers, we don’t know it all and I don’t think we ever will. When we give ourselves the opportunity to get to know others, to challenge our new or old ideas and beliefs, we allow ourselves to make progress.

Commit

Let’s ask ourselves: How will we grow? How do we expand? How do we become more understanding and compassionate beings? It is done by opening up to people like us and un-like us.

Life is a continuous journey of learning, unlearning, failing and growing. Yes, finding our circle, our group, our tribe of people who make us feel good is important. That’s what life is about…to enjoy life with people we love. Let’s keep in mind though, in order to grow, we have to step out, be open, listen to other ideas and beliefs un-like ours.

As we continue this new year 2020, I encourage you to open and listen intentionally and wholeheartedly to different views, ideas, and beliefs, as a way to have a better understanding of the world around us.