Motivational speaker Jim Rohn said, "You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.  Long before that, God said, "Whoever walks with the wise become wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm." Proverbs 13:20 ESV.  (See also Proverbs 17:17, 18:24; 1 Corinthians 15:33; 2 Corinthians 6:14, 1 Thessalonians 5:11)

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Whether you realize it or not, whether you like it or not, the people you choose to spend time with influence your thinking, self-esteem, and even your decisions.  It's not a matter of chance but a conscious choice to surround yourself with people who embody the qualities you value - those whose words and actions reflect integrity, honesty, kindness, and care.  You deserve people in your life who genuinely care about you - people who challenge and encourage you to be the best version of yourself.

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Consider those with whom you spend most of your time; do you respect and admire them?  Do they demonstrate integrity, honesty, kindness and care in their words and actions?  I not, it might be time to make some changes.  I'm not suggesting you cut people out of your life entirely, especially if they are family members or coworkers.  Instead, I encourage you to consciously limit the impact their opinions and behaviors have on you.  This could mean seeking out other perspectives, setting boundaries, or spending less time in their company.  The goal is to increase the influence of those who 'help' you instead.

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Consider yourself; what kind of influence are you in others lives?  Are you a person of integrity, honesty, kindness, and care?  Do you do the right thing even when it might not be popular?  Are you willing to speak the truth even when someone might want to hear a lie?  Are you kind and caring?  do you help others when they are in need?  Are you helping or hindering others?

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What kind of person do you want to be?  Who do you know who possesses the qualities you want to develop?  These are the people with whom you should focus most of your time and energy.  You are influenced by those you spend time with, and you , in turn, influence them.  The people you surround yourself with will either holp or hinder you;  you will either help or hinder them.  Choose Wisely.

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God Bless. <3-L