THE POWER OF OUR INNER CIRCLE

There is a power in connection to our community. As a doctor, I look at someone’s support system. Occasionally, when I see that someone doesn’t have close friends, family, or community, I do a little exercise with them. Let’s have you do it now, take out a piece of paper and write “illness”, then write “wellness” below it. Next circle the first letter of the word illness, then circle the first 2 letters of the word wellness. What do you see?

The circled letters are “I” vs “We”. I, as in me, myself, and I, as in isolation that can contribute to illness. The “we” is, you, me, and community that lends to greater wellness. 

While we need people, we need the right people. As children grow up, parents are usually very cautious on who they are hanging around, as it is known that “birds of a feather, flock together.” However, as we enter adulthood sometimes our self discretion goes out the window. When it comes to health and wealth, it is said that you will be like the 5 people you spend the most time with. 

Surround yourself with the type of people you want to be like, or share the same values with. For example if you are wanting to eat healthy, but some of your friends are still eating fast food, it may be harder to reach your goals around them. Yet, if you had friends that were already eating healthy, it would be much easier for your to achieve your goal in their presence, as they will help keep you accountable, and there maybe even some positive peer pressure. Perhaps if you are out to eat with them, they are all ordering salads, but you really wanted the burger, you may not want to be the only one eating a burger, so you will give in, in a good way. 

In order to make room for people in your inner circle that will help carry you to your goals and way of life you wish, sometimes that means saying goodbye. Saying goodbye to relationships that are holding you back, contributing to bad choices, not lifting you up can be difficult, but it can be done with grace. 

Consider looking at your list of goals, thinking of people who already have achieved that, and try to spend more time with them. Perhaps you are trying to exercise more, and you’ve got a friend who regularly goes to the gym or hikes, reach out to them and ask if you can join their next workout. 

Jim Rohn said, “You are the average of the 5 people you spend the most time with”, so choose your inner circle wisely.