The Company You Keep

I saw this on facebook and it was attributed to Oprah Winfrey. I don’t know if she actually said it but I like it. My friend Lorraine and I have been discussing this concept of surrounding yourself with like minded people for quite a bit of time. We were sitting talking about getting in shape – great shape, not just good shape and her husband chimed in. In a nutshell, he said unless you surround yourself with other people living positively, you are not going to be successful.

This is so true and applicable in life, not just in the discussion about being physically fit. For instance, if I want to be a millionaire, I need to surround myself with millionnaires, not hang out on the corner with a person without ambition. I cannot expect my life to change if I am keeping company with people who have a vision (or lack vision) that does not coincide with my own.

And although this sounds like common sense, sometimes it is very difficult. Especially when you are trying to a leave a situation that feels good (or tastes good) but you are aware that it isn’t good for you.

I believe these are hurdles we all have to overcome and if we want to be our best we must surround ourselves with the best. I’m working on heeding my own advice physically by training with ladies from BGR! and spending time with other athletes. This weekend I was highly motivated by all of the women (and men) running the Inaugural Black Girls Run! Drive to End Hunger 5k/10k. I am writing a race recap soon but I’ll tell you that spending time chatting, running and enjoying the company of other women interested in fitness keeps me moving forward.

I was motivated, inspired and pushed to do better by this amazing group of women. And now that I’ve surrounding myself with people who also lead an active and healthy lifestyle, my life in that regard is getting better. Other stuff? Well, like us all I’m a work in progress and am making changes daily, one step at a time!