The Influence of Friends on Our Lives

Who you keep company with…

“You are who your friends are.” Many of us need help understanding this life rule. I have repeatedly preached it to my children: “If you want to show me your life, show me your friends.” The people you surround yourself with have the most influence on you, and ultimately, you will become like them.
Throughout my journey as a parent, I’ve learned one of the most important lessons. Values have an incredible impact. This impact is not just on children but also on ourselves as caregivers. I’ve always believed in the power of self-worth and the importance of standing up for oneself. I sought to instill this in my children. I encouraged them to embrace their strengths. I motivated them to navigate the world with confidence. I didn’t realize at the time. As I poured these values into their lives, they taught me in return. They showed me just how vital these lessons really are.
When I was younger, and my children were little, it was easier for me to make decisions without much thought. Although I lacked self-esteem, I continuously poured into my children’s life. I would always let them know they would and could become anything they wanted as long as it was realistic.
For example, you cannot transform into a mermaid and live in the ocean. Instead, you could visit Disney World to experience mermaid-like magic. Similarly, you cannot identify as a cat and bring a litter box to school. It’s important to have dreams and aspirations, but they should be achievable and realistic.
It’s fascinating how the roles can shift. My children hold my values up as a mirror, reflecting back to me the principles I’ve emphasized throughout their lives. They often remind me of something important. I shared with them that we have the right to stand tall. We should assert ourselves. We need to demand the respect we deserve. This lesson is rooted deeply in my parenting. It has become a powerful reminder that healing doesn’t mean we accept disrespect. It also doesn’t mean we accept mistreatment. It means we rise above it, knowing that we are deserving of kindness and value, just as they are. By nurturing their strength, they have helped me embrace my own. They have taught me that asserting myself is okay. I don’t claim to have perfect children who never make mistakes. However, I am proud of how they rise to challenges. Whenever they stumble or face hurt from others, they show resilience. They get back up and shake it off. Then, they address the situation with maturity. This teaches us valuable lessons about strength and perseverance from those we love most. Remember, it’s essential to hold ourselves to a standard that reflects our true worth; we deserve nothing less. Be Blessed.