She Strengthens

Finding True Fulfillment in Life and Friendship

This past weekend, I was forced to confront the harsh reality of being stuck in a limbo of sorts – not sick enough to cancel plans, but not well enough to truly enjoy myself. Despite this, I pushed through and spent quality time with dear friends from my hometown, and it ended up being an incredibly uplifting experience.

Surrounding Yourself with Positive Influences

Being around these friends, with whom I feel completely myself, made me realize how far I’ve come in overcoming my own insecurities and petty jealousies. We shared our professional successes and listened to each other’s stories with genuine excitement and happiness. It’s a rare blessing to have a group of people who truly support and celebrate each other’s achievements.

Letting Go of Toxic Relationships

In the past, I used to surround myself with people who made me feel inferior, and I would derive a strange sense of joy from it. I thought that feeling envious and insecure was a sign of striving to be better. But over the past year, I’ve made a conscious effort to whittle down my social circles to only those who bring me joy and fulfillment. I’ve muted or cut out people who drained my energy, and it’s been incredibly liberating.

Cultivating Meaningful Relationships

By reducing my social circle by about 60%, I’ve been able to focus on nurturing deeper, more meaningful relationships. I’ve had uncomfortable conversations with some friends, but they’ve led to healthier and more honest relationships. I’ve also made time for daily chats with close friends and regular meetups with those who bring me joy.

Embracing Authenticity

The result of this culling process is that I’m now surrounded by people who accept me for who I am. I can celebrate others’ successes without feeling threatened, and I’ve gained a sense of confidence and lightness. It’s like cleaning out my closet – getting rid of the clutter to make room for what truly matters.

Living Life on My Own Terms

I’ve come to realize that I don’t need to be someone I’m not or try to fit in with certain groups. I can focus on my own projects and goals, and if others don’t like it, that’s okay. I’ve got enough love and support in my life to keep me going. It’s a refreshing feeling, and one that I’m grateful for.