VOL. 22 Part 2
Phase [ feyz ] noun
Any of the major appearances or aspects in which a thing of varying modes or conditions manifests itself to the eye or mind.
A stage in a process of change or development.
A side, aspect, or point of view.
Phase… a sudden transition in life with rationale reshaping capabilities , the evolution stage of the mind, heart, spirit, or career, and the opportune time to readjust one’s atmosphere in order to augment their overall trajectory in life.
So as we enter into the next phase of our lives, not only will we witness a huge atmospheric change, but we’re also bound to observe a major shift in the company we keep. What does that mean? Well to make it plain, as you get older some friendships will evolve, while others with dissolve. We can’t expect everyone to enter into the next chapter with us, for some people were solely meant to be in our lives for a short period of time. There will always be people in our lives that are there solely for a reason and a season. While on the other hand, some will always be present along your journey. Devon Franklin once said, “You may have known them for 10 years, but that doesn’t mean they are anointed to join you for the next 10 years of your life.” That really spoke volumes to me because we tend to latch on to people because of the amount of time they’ve been in our lives. Who’s to say they haven’t been toxic for that entire period of time. Negative friendships and relationships will have us making unwise decisions, acting out of character and compromising our morals and values. That should NEVER be the case. On the other hand, some friends may not even support the direction you’re going in within your life or they may just be jealous of your success. CUT THEM OFF. Real friends will genuinely support you, pray for you and allow you to shine. Even when they’re down, they won’t strive to dull your shine. So seek out people that won’t compare their situation to yours.
As we mature, we begin to uncover our true self. This consists of learning what we like, what we don’t like, what motivates us, what’s toxic to our wellbeing and so much more. Therefore, when we pinpoint negative people, they must be removed. Why hinder your growth to settle for toxic situations, and the toxic people that cause these situations? We’ve all heard the many sayings, “You’re the company you keep” or “Birds of a feather flock together". Well this is simply explaining that you tend to pick up traits of the people that you keep within your circle, if you don’t already have them internally. However, this doesn’t always have to be negative. You can also pick up positive traits by keeping the right people in your space as well. I’ve always believed in hanging out with people that you can learn something from, so their traits can rub off on you. If you aren't very skilled in something, spend time around others that may be very gifted in that particular area. Before you know it, you may pick up that particular characteristic. Trust me, if I hang around you I believe there is something I can learn from you. I don’t believe in people taking up space in my life. They MUST contribute to my growth in some way.
Even though letting go is for the better, it can be really hard sometimes. It’s never easy to let go of someone you love or even people you really care about. However, in life we must choose to put ourselves before others. There is nothing fulfilling about consistently putting yourself last. It’s unhealthy and disheartening at the end of the day. So let’s choose our happiness first, and watch everything else fall right into place. Trust me, courage is having the power to let go of the familiar.
Proverbs 4:25-27 “Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.”