WELLNESS--I’ll be the first to admit that while I enjoy having great friends and a busy social life, I can be a bit of a homebody too. I’m both extroverted and introverted at the same time. I love routine, alone time, and structure and sometimes it’s hard to put myself out there to interact. This is partly because I am very sensitive to other’s energy and often I find myself drained when I’m around people who aren’t present or with those who are self-involved. Maybe you can relate?
What I’ve learned however is that new people in our lives bring with them, new opportunities and growth. And while it is essential to have long-standing relationships and friendships along with quality time in solitude, it is equally imperative not to grow stagnant or to cut yourself off from new energy.
If your job or lifestyle forces you to be around new people, then in many ways you are naturally keeping this flow going. But if you work from home or your job involves being in solitude, it is vital that you push yourself outside of your comfort zone regularly in order to broaden your circle of influence.
Much research has been done to show that those with a strong and significant support system tend to live longer lives so this is particularly important for those interested in health and longevity.
It is said that we become like the people we surround ourselves with the most. Look around. Do you want to be like those with whom you spend the most time or are you ready to bring in new folks who are more aligned with your bigger vision? Do you have kind and giving individuals in your circle? If you’re looking to become more successful and prosperous, are you surrounding yourself with affluent people? If your desire is to open up spiritually and emotionally, are those around you doing the same?
By paying attention to our day-to-day communications and to how we feel when we are with those we see regularly, we can begin to observe patterns. Do those very people lift us up or drain our life force? Do they offer us love, acceptance, and inspiration or do they judge us and dim our light? Are they jealous and competitive or do they wish us only success and happiness? The answers may tell us that it’s time to make some changes.
Bringing in new friends doesn’t have to be complicated. I have moved from city to city numerous times and I’ve learned to adapt. What I have noticed is that there are opportunities to meet new people each day.
The best way is by doing more of what you love. If you don’t enjoy networking events for example, take a class or join a group doing something that excites you. Make a goal of trying something new every month whether it is a painting class, hiking group, or book club. What about the neighbors that you greet on the elevator each morning or those you see at the gym? Each one represents a possible new connection with a meaningful outcome.
If we want something to shift, we need to shift also. Try shaking things up a little bit and push yourself into new territory. Say hello, invite somebody for coffee, or give a compliment. Break the ice and often you may be surprised to see that it opens the door for amazing new individuals who bring with them a bounty of renewed vigor, ideas, connections, and inspiration.
Keep a healthy balance of old and new friends and always maintain a solid foundation with those who offer you grounding and unconditional support. But also remember to branch out and allow new people who can assist you in your elevated path. A new person equals new energy, growth, opportunity, and insight that can change your life forever.
(Jay Bradley is a Youthful Aging, Wellness & Lifestyle Expert Living in Los Angeles http://www.JayBradleyLifestyle.com. He is the Best-Selling Author of LIVE LOOK FEEL, The 12-Week Guide to Live Longer, Look Younger & Feel Better!)
-cw
Want to Feel Better? Get Happy? Put Some New People In Your Life!
