I am constantly reminded of the importance of having the right people around me. Having the right people in your life makes your journey, in life, easier, lighter and sometimes helps you put things into perspective.
My uncle told me something, a year back, that I was completely ignorant about. He said:
“the environment and the people you choose to associate yourself with, will consume you and you will end up acting like them or the way you think they expect you to act.”
I have come to experience his words to be true in my life. We are the people we surround ourselves; their behaviours will eventually rub off on you in one way or another – no matter how strong your backbone is, so choose wisely.
Surround yourself with people who bring out the best in you. People that hold you accountable to your dreams as well as call you out on your bullshit. A circle that inspires you to dream bigger, to want better. A circle that journeys with you without expecting anything in return. You will come to experience the benefit of such a circle: they will become the anchor you can stand on, the joy in your sorrow and your peace during your battles because their fighting beside you.
As I write this and think about this year and all it has thrown at me, my beloved sister-friend Ida Shimbilinga comes to mind. She was the anchor I stood on when I couldn’t stand. She was the reason of my laughter when all I wanted to do was cry; she was the light that showed me the way when I was too blinded by my darkness. She was my biggest cheerleader. I am incredibly blessed to journey with her – the wind beneath my wings.
I hope as you go on with your life that you remember you’re only as good as the people around you. It doesn’t matter how good you are personally, they will consume you.
