My friends are absolutely amazing, but most only know so much information about me. Our conversations tend to lean towards their lives more so than mine, which I am okay with because I’m a private person, but it is also nice to have people around who I can experience vulnerability. But you can’t be vulnerable with everyone. For me, it takes a certain type of person for me to be vulnerable; they need to either be on my level or further ahead of me in life (more often than not). Thankfully, I’ve been slowly accumulating a few of these gems along the way. And I am okay with the slow development of these gem-type relationships. Trust takes time, and the process should never be rushed.
Associate yourself with people of good quality, for it is better to be alone then in bad company. — Booker T. Washington
Giving & Receiving In Friendship
When I was younger, I received tremendous amounts of invaluable wisdom and knowledge from people and friends. Hence, the reason why I am okay with being a giver more so than a receiver right now. As I got older and established my independence, I started to transition into more of a giver, which ultimately is what I always wanted to be.
Ebbs & Flows
A mentor of mine told me a long time ago — when I was more of a receiver — I didn’t need to feel guilty about my incapability to offer others much in return when they gave to me. Eventually, I would convert into a receiver. And today, I am both happy and grateful to be in this position.
My Financial Friend
I recently got back in touch with a dear friend who is about 10 years older than me but wise beyond her years in the world of finance. I told her that her method of finance is viciously beautiful; she’s got it nailed.
Finance is probably my favorite subject outside of personal development. I’m overzealous and don’t take the subject lightly. I’m thankful to say I finally have someone in person to chat about the world of finance, investing, money, and real estate.
I can also be open to her about my goals and bounce off questions and ideas. In only a few weeks of getting back in touch, my financial stance significantly elevated. The benefits of getting back in touch with her reminded me of the importance of building your network. The more valuable your network is, the higher your net worth tends to be.
My Bodybuilding/Working Out Partner
I am thankful to say that I have a special someone in my life with whom I can share this passion and hobby. Once again, I can bounce off ideas, learn new information, we can utilize each other as accountability partners, and we can elevate each other in the area of our health and bodies.
Today I Didn’t FEEL Like Going To the Gym: But I went anyways
What 16 Years In The Gym Taught Me: 10+ Things
My Morning + Evening Stacks: Supplementation For Relaxation + Energy
My Spirituality Connoisseur
This is a touchy subject that not everyone desires to engage in or discuss. But to me, spirituality is a necessary discussion. Life on earth can be such a shallow experience as it is, and I needed a way to find meaning beyond life on earth. It helps to have like-minded people to share a conversation with about matters of spirituality; it’s not only comforting, but it provides hope to our souls in such a broken world. I am thankful I have someone with whom I can chatter on the subject.
Side Note: The Daily Stoic offers an excellent non-religious spiritual guide to lead a successful life.
My Selection — The Daily Stoic: By Ryan Holiday
Books, Podcasts, Articles = Mentors
I’ve been blessed with many friends along my journey of life. Still, outside of traditional friendship, some of my best friends (though they might not even know it) have been authors, experts, and bloggers that share their wisdom, knowledge, and personal experiences; these people have been my mentors, and I would not be where I am today without them.
It’s nice to have friends that are fun and can show you a good time; but a real friend to me is someone who can build you up, elevate your life, and take you further in life than before they entered into your life (this is what I find fun). It’s a bonus if they can show you a good time outside mentorship.
To me, a quality friend is also a mentor.
Iron sharpens iron. Prov 27:17
Read Like Your Life Depends On It: Your Life Will Improve Radically
As I Continue To Advance Through Life
I’m looking for people who not only elevate my life but people I can be vulnerable with and trust. Life is not meant to be alone. Since I have been more on the giving end of relationships for quite a while, I hope I will again transition back into receiving from new mentors and relationships, which I have already started to experience.
Cheers.
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