Check Your Circle

I have a very diverse group of friends. We connected in many different ways. Middle & high school. College. Work. Church. We have different backgrounds, different stories, different journeys.Those in my current circle all have one thing in common: we are all in the business of uplifting and supporting each other. It took me a long time and a lot of hurt feelings to cultivate my current circle. And I wouldn't have it any other way.

Over the years, I had to learn that everyone you are connected to is not your friend. You may get along, you may have a few laughs and a few social outings together. But that does not make them your friend. You can know them your entire life, but that still does not make them your friend. One day in my reflection time, I began to take stock in my friendships. How are the people in my circle helping me grow as a person? Who was supported of my growth and who downplayed everything I was doing? Were they happy in my new found attitude and outlook on life or were they negative? Were they happy in their stage in life or were they always negative and not doing anything to change it? Were these people genuine friends to me or were they just hanging on because of what I could do for them? When I went over these questions about the people who were in my circle, I got some harsh answers that I didn't want to face. Some of these people I've known for years and their actions were sucking the life out of me. They weren't doing it purposely; it was just how they were. I had to ask myself is this what I want around me all the time? The ultimate answer is no. Once I started weening myself away from those people, I had a spirit of peace over my life. I was able to make room for people who were encouraging me and was able to accomplish my goals.

As I grew, I learned that not everyone is supposed to be in your life forever. Some people are with you for a season and you have to determine when that season is over. It is ok to outgrow people. Your paths are not always going to be inline. You may go to the left and them to the right. It's ok. You two had great times together while you were in the same space, but things in your lives have changed. You may want more in life and you have that person around you that isn't growing and doesn't want to see you grow because they aren't. They will speak negative about your growth. They will distract you from your goals. These are toxic people and are sabotaging you.

Take stock in the people in your circle. You have to learn to be mature enough to release those who don't mean you any good and aren't being a positive influence in your life. Once you release those negative people, positive things will happen in your life. Remember...not everyone who starts the race with you will end the race with you.