by Lorna Martinez Magill
Some day’s life can be hard, so it is increasingly important to surround ourselves with positive and supportive people. I don’t know about you, but I often use the phrase “they suck the life out of me”. Now let me just say, those are not the people that I want around me as I am going through a transition or a difficult time.
In recent years I have come to appreciate that having a strong support system can provide a sense of comfort and security, helping to ease feelings of anxiety or uncertainty. Positive friends and family members can offer encouragement and advice, while also lifting our spirits with laughter and joy.
During my time of transition, the texts, phone calls, emails and the invitations for lunch, coffee or a drink were a lifeline for me. I honestly don’t know how I could have gotten through that year without all the wonderful people in my life.
An interesting outcome of my transition was that there were people that I thought would have been there, that were not, and there were people that I never would have expected would have been there for me that were. As Marianne says to me many times, “Lorna, that’s just information.” and boy was it!
It also highlighted to me that many of the people I thought were NOT my tribe, proved to be true and I pleasantly learned that I had people in my tribe that I didn’t even realize.
Positive relationships can play a significant role in our physical and mental well-being. Research has shown that social support can boost our immune system and decrease the risk of various health problems, including heart disease and depression.
During my transition, I experienced some depression and anxiety and discovered that a friend was having similar feelings. Although we were both in a “bad place” we offered much needed support to each other and now that we are in a “better place” we often say to each other “we are so much better than we were last year at this time”. It was nice to know that I was not alone when I felt so isolated.
At this stage of our lives, we have many unique challenges, such as retirement, caregiving for aging parents, and the loss of loved ones. Having positive relationships can provide us with the support we need to navigate these transitions and can also bring us a sense of purpose and fulfillment.
So, how can you surround yourself with positive people? It starts with taking a close look at our current relationships and evaluating whether they are supportive and healthy. If not, you may need to make some changes and seek out new relationships with individuals who bring positivity into our lives.
This can mean joining a new community group, volunteering, or even simply reaching out to friends and family members who have a positive outlook on life. It may take time and effort to build new relationships, but the benefits to our overall well-being are well worth it.
Surrounding yourself with positive people is essential for your health and happiness. By making a conscious effort to seek out and maintain positive relationships, you can improve your well-being, navigate the challenges of aging, and live a more fulfilling life.
Action Step: Make a list of five positive people in your life and reach and thank them for being in your life. Believe me that one small act will very well make their day.
