Thirtyfor30: Surround yourself with the right people

My mom used to tell me: Choose your friends wisely. She even had this long list of kids at school she didn't want me to associate myself with. I used to question her judgment but in the end, I'm glad I didn't grow up with and in the wrong circles. Bottom line, listen to your parents! LOL! 😂

The book Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life discusses that the long and healthy life of centenarians in Okinawa is associated with their social contracts or what they call Moai. It is a small but tight-knit social circle meant to be there through life’s ups and downs. It is for this very reason that I'm very picky with who I surround myself with, with whom I associate myself with. I don't plan on keeping many circles or huge circles but I have a small reliable one that reminds me how blessed I am to have found them.

Today, I'd cut people off if:

1. Their values don't align with mine
2. They don't support the person I want to become
3. They're just my friends because they'll get something from me

I did this in the past and I'd willingly do the same in the future. No questions asked.

Surround yourself with the right people, you'd be amazed how empowered you'd become when you're in the right circle.

_{Note: Cover photo from Canva with minor adjustments}