Let’s Talk about Finding New Friends

 One of the easiest predictors of success is who you spend the most time with. While it has been said that you are influenced by the five people you spend the most time with, it can also be said you are the sum of:

• The five books you last read
• The five foods you eat the most
• The five ways you recreate the most
• The five thoughts you think the most

Ironically, friends can have a major influence on what we read, eat, do for fun, and think about. So choosing friends wisely is important. Sometimes it is important to get a fresh start with who you hang out with.

 If you happen to live in the same spot for very long, you likely have made friends based on geography. Where you live, where you work, and the activities you participate in most are the most common places to make new friends. These friends are made from convenience rather than carefully selected criteria for success and value. Sometimes the people you see the most are the ones you end up befriending, which leaves little room or time to cultivate what could be better friends.

 Do you need new friends? If you were to make an assessment of your friendships, would you find them lacking? Are you caught up in activities and behaviors that are holding you back or would cause you to derail off course if you made a fresh start somewhere? If so, it might be time to consider making new friends.

But how?

Finding new friends may feel impossible or unnecessary. You might think you have no room in your life or desire in your heart to make dramatic changes. After all, feelings are involved as well as social standing, and there could be fallout from making some changes; however, isolation isn't good and new friends can enrich your life.

Here’s how…

Decide you deserve it- Knowing you deserve and can benefit from better friends will help you look harder for them, and you'll be able to weather any storms that come from disengaging from friends who just don’t bring anything to the table.

Redefine your relationships- If you don’t want to end a friendship but need to make room for new friends, simply rearrange the situation. Kindly and quietly disengage from the friends that don’t suit you and fill your time with valuable activities. You simply won’t have the time in your schedule for the unfulfilling activities.

Step out of your comfort zone- Sign-up for a class, meetup group, or a volunteer position. If you participate in activities that you like, you'll meet like-minded people. Doing activities that you enjoy will allow you to spend your time in a worthwhile endeavor and move you closer to meeting the people you will love to spend time with...your tribe.

If you are ready for a fresh start, sometimes that includes friendships. It is important that the people you spend the most time with bring the most value to your table. Pick better friends and kindly let go of the ones who don’t make the cut any longer.

Remember, who and what you surround yourself with has an influence over you, so it is your responsibility to choose wisely. It will benefit you to choose wisely.

Another great place to move forward and make new friends is Our Village. Join the private Facebook group (www.facebook.com/ahousewithfourrooms). Share your wisdom, friendship, and ideas to inspire, encourage, and support one another. It's time to expand our relationships!

Cheers!

Lisa