One of my life principles, which I highly value, is growth.
While I'm told that I can always choose my friends, it's usually not as simple unless I go cold overnight on them and call the friendship off.
As today's Steemit Bootcamp for Trainers took off successfully like the many other boot camps before this, I came to a realization that I've connected with more meaningful and growth-centric people through events like this.
Then it got me thinking. The way for me to find more meaningful connections and like-minded people, who want the same thing as I do, at the very same event that I attended.
So if you're wondering why this even matters, it does. Because the group you hang out with, depicts your identity and shapes the person you are. Your peers is responsible, indirectly for your growth.
When growing up, your peers unavoidably helped mold your personality towards your strengths.
Your peers spend more time with you, perhaps even more than your family and you're able to test your intrinsic abilities and personality— you being you— with them.
Were you really curious as a person? Have interesting ideas? If your friends don't see the value in education, it's kind of hard to stick around with them if you truly value education.
Or the fact that you hate spending time at malls during the weekend and would rather attend a boot camp for self-discovery and network opportunity, for instance.
However, you can break free from this cursed cycle.
You don't need to feel stuck with someone you don't want to be with. Like every relationship, there are break up moments.
You simply need to break up if it's not worth patching up the broken vase already. The vase is your friendship.
Sure you can keep some good people as your 'hi-bye' friends, but ask yourself if you're willing to spend 3 hours for a catch-up, empty talk session.
Having a different group of friends for the various purpose is great. At the end of the day, it's your time and decision on how you'd like to spend your time currency on.
Scanning through my goals checklist, I've always wanted to expand my network and contribute to the community in any way.
I just never thought it would be through Steemit because I never knew about this platform before.
This goal was set in 2017 as part of me, going through a phase of life-changing experiences (i.e. friends, jobs, etc.), wanting more out of my life.
You know, the mid-life crisis thing — except that I was nowhere near the hallmark of that age, still in my 20s.
Eventually, I noticed that the more I give back to the community (in one way or the other), the more I scored great friendships and in turn, achieve the goals of growing exponentially myself.
As I gained new friends, I learned to treasure those who were really there for me during my tough times.
And for those whom I'd lost due to jealousy, toxicity and stagnated life, they only reinforced my principles and help me navigate better in life, see better in terms of the quality of my network, my wants, and aspirations.
After all, it's the quality friends you need to become the person you want to be.
As Jim Rohn puts it,
“You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.”
So choose your clan wisely.
Image credit: All public domain images are taken from Pexels, unless stated otherwise.
I still have my portfolio and personal sites— virtuallydebbie.com and debbieang.com.
But these sites will eventually redirect you to my Steemit blog.
Well, what can I say. If it’s good stuff, you can’t get enough of it :)
Follow me and I'll take you through my unpredictable journey— filled with wilderness, curiosity, and randomness.
PS: Join #steemitbloggers to unite with other bloggers and #sfg #steemgigs to partake in the freelancers' clan. Also, check out 
