You are the company you keep

Today my business, the Louisville School of Massage played host to a retreat focusing on creating a Vision Board for 2018. While I believe the act of creating vision boards is powerful, more powerful than that (today) was the group of people in the room.

It was a small and intimate group of about 10 people ranging in age from 15-50ish. Three sets of parent/child were present, including me and my son. While my son's journey and story are his to share, I will summarize that it's been a difficult road, to say the least. The fact that he *wanted* to attend (or at least chose to attend on his own volition) truly is a testament to his desire to have a better life for himself and his children, should he choose to have them.

And for me as his parent, it reinforced that one of the most important decisions I can make as a parent is who I let in my inner-circle. Who I surround myself and my family with is ultimately who we become. I believe it is imperative for parents to be very selective in the company they keep. Do not be confused, this does not mean to be judgemental of people, but it does mean to be careful of the influences which impact my family. Ultimately, if I allow toxic people into my family/life, then my family/life become toxic; conversely if I invite positive and affirming people in my family/life, then my family/life become more positive and affirming. The group today definitely enriches my family.

So this evening I invite you to spend some time thinking about the influencers in your life--are they impacting you in a positive way? Are they influencing you to become a better person ? And ultimately, how are you impacting and influencing those in your life? Are you impacting them in a positive way? Are you influencing them to become a better person?

You know the old adage, you are what you eat? Well, I'd like to expand that...You are what you eat and the company you keep.

...or at least that's my 26.2 cents worth anyway.
~Peace
Donald