Hang out with people who make you better, brighter, and braver.
Better. Brighter. And Braver.
I want to start off with a very special thank you to the people in my world who truly make me better, brighter and braver. I am forever grateful to you for your presence in my life and for the difference you make – not just in my life but also in the world!
What would our lives be like if we were surrounded by people who made us better? Who made us brighter? Who made us braver? What could we be capable of with that kind of support and encouragement? What sort of difference could we make in our own lives and in the world with that kind of influence? And perhaps an even more important question could be, “How can I help someone else to be better, brighter and braver?”
The past while has been a great opportunity for me to reflect. We took some time over the past several weeks to just ‘be’. We went skate skiing, got together with friends, relaxed by the fire, watched movies and even took a few afternoon naps. With the new year well underway, I’ve been knee-deep in work, which I’m so grateful for! You know, the on-my-knees kind of grateful.
It might just be my eyes, but I think I saw the sky getting brighter and bigger as the calendar turned to March. I’m very excited about this month because I’ve allocated the month of March to writing, some creative projects and also to sharing some new virtual programs! More on these programs next week but what I really want to share is the following because it’s dawning on me, just how important it is – if you want to live a truly fulfilling life or if you’re even just looking for a bit more joy on a day-to-day basis…hang out with people who make you better, brighter and braver. And if you have moments where you make each other laugh so much that your stomach muscles hurt or someone snorts their beverage, even better!
In the past year, I decided to spend more time in my own company. To really take stock of my life – where I’ve been and where I want to grow. I let go of what didn’t serve me, from the negative self-talk in my mind to clothes that didn’t fit quite right. Although I’ve still got a lot of work to do, I began redesigning and creating a different present that I really wanted to lean and live into. And I intentionally gathered a few more people into my circle who truly make me better, brighter and braver and I really looked at how I could do the same for others. Life is so very short and so fleeting. If I knew, before now, just how fleeting and precious it really is, I’d probably have wasted a lot less time in my life. And I’d definitely have been more intentional about who I spent time with.
I’ve made a lot of mistakes in my life, allowed people to fill the doorways and windows into my world who didn’t deserve to be there, and I believed I was worth less, and sadly, at times, even worthless, because I allowed certain people to dim my light in an attempt to make themselves feel better about themselves. Looking back, I honestly don’t know how I ended up in those certain situations, but I do know I am always responsible for everything in my life, including all of my mistakes. Rather than let it bother me, though, I’ve tried to use my mistakes – those opportunities where I silenced my own voice out of fear or insecurity – as a teacher and a learning opportunity to create a better way forward. And what an extraordinary way forward it’s been the past couple of years and even more recently – the past couple of months. Yes – letting go is sometimes a very good thing.
Sometimes, I feel like a very slow learner. One of these things I’ve learned, better late than never, is that I have a choice in who I let into my world. And so do you. I can say ‘no’ to what does not serve my highest good…and so can you. (Read that last part again.)
If there are things or people in your life that dim your light, or minimize your fabulousness, that’s not right. Everything in your world should build you up, not the other way around. I was at my breaking point 2 or 3 years ago. It was the lowest of the lows I’d ever felt in my entire life. In those moments of utter despair, it became blindingly clear that I had to find a way to change my life. I had to find a way to create boundaries and remove everyone and everything from my life that wasn’t serving my higher good and God’s greater good. Once I finally found that inner conviction and voice, everything changed.
Everything changed. Yes, everything can change…but we’ve got to find that sliver of strength within us to grab hold of and let it lead the way. We’ve got to find a way to surround ourselves with the right people, and also take some sort of action, however small, towards putting the right things into our own mind, body and life, as well, – in whatever way possible. I am reminded of these life-lessons in the present moment and it’s so very important to listen to our inner voice, to set boundaries and to let go of anything that isn’t there for your higher good.
Who do you know that make you better, brighter or braver? Personally or professionally? Think about the goals or new year’s resolutions you made a few months ago as you rang in the new year. How are you doing? Is there someone that could help you shine brighter – in your personal life or career? Could you call them, send them a text or invite them for a walk and talk? Perhaps it’s an old friend or someone in your community that you hold in high regard. Perhaps it’s a colleague or maybe someone who could help your business prosper. Call them.
Remember, life is short and fleeting and there’s no better time than right now to do and be all that you can! In my own life and business, in the past 6 months, I’ve reached out to a few different mentors to help me be better, brighter and braver. I am so unbelievably grateful for the difference they’ve made in my life and the profound impact they’ve had on how I feel, on a day-to-day basis, along with the increased level of focus, clarity and excitement I’m experiencing as a result.
Is there someone who could help you be better, brighter or braver? The world needs you – and all that you are and could become…so maybe pick up the phone and call the person, mentor or friend you’re thinking of as you read this.
Also, who do you know that you could help make better, brighter or braver? Is there someone that you have a gut-feeling about that might welcome a little of your influence, expertise or friendship? Give them a call. Reach out. You just might change someone’s life – including your own.
If I can serve you in any way, to make your light brighter or help you reach your potential, please give me a ring. And if you might be looking for an opportunity to be surrounded by some amazing women who make me better, brighter and braver, please consider joining our next DIVA Retreat. It’s March 8th – Friday night – from 6-9pm.
Crystal Flaman is an international keynote speaker and social entrepreneur, inspiring you to discover your dreams and the difference you can create in the world. Anything is possible. Everything is possible. Believe in your dreams. Do what you love and be fearlessly you.
If you would like to learn more information about this topic or to have Crystal share this message with your team, in person or on a virtual platform, please contact Crystal. Thank you. crystal@inspiringsuccess.ca phone: 250-215-2903 (cell) or 778-477-0100 (on the rotary dial land-line)
