Going with the flow while trying not to be swept away by the current.

Interestingly, as I reflected on the past year and the changes I would like to make, my playlist started playing “Let Her Go” by Passenger featuring Ed Sheeran. This song reminded me to appreciate the people currently in my life, those who have left, and those who are yet to come.

This year, I plan to approach things differently by engaging in a deep inner reflection about the relationships I have. I want to discern whether I should go with the flow or resist it. However, I must be cautious not to be swept away by the current, which I view as the present moment, while remaining focused on my long-term goal: achieving peace of mind.

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So, what is this flow I speak of?
I see it as the experience of meeting someone new and connecting well with them. Yet, we often forget to ask ourselves whether we are part of that person’s journey or if they are part of ours. There are times when we meet individuals who may assist us now or in the future. Although we cannot predict the future, it is crucial to leave a positive impression. Consequently, I will be distancing myself from certain individuals—not out of a desire to hurt them, but because it is in the best interest of my future. The harsh reality is that we cannot be there for everyone, and some may recognize that our support can only be temporary, leading them to drift away as well, which can ultimately waste time.

I believe that cutting people off is sometimes necessary; however, we should still be available to assist them if the need arises.

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What is this current trying to sweep us away?
As human beings, we tend to fall into our habitual ways and are easily influenced by our surroundings. It's not only about what we see but also about the distractions from peer pressure, selfish desires, and more. Therefore, even as I distance myself from certain individuals, I must also recognize the importance of social connections.

While we can cut certain people out, we should not shut others out completely. I have people in my life who can serve as my anchor during this tumultuous current. Having the right people around can significantly aid in achieving my long-term goals.

As I enter this new year, one of my main goals is to stay consistent and avoid getting carried away in the moment. I understand that this is easier said than done, which is why I'm actively looking for an accountability partner. I want someone who can help keep me accountable, not just someone to chat with. Being an accountability partner for each other requires discipline and can be a bit of pressure, but I truly believe it's essential for achieving our long-term goals.

As my friend @abdul-qudus wisely stated, “When you walk alone, you walk fast, but when you walk together, you walk further.” Thus, I will retain those who align with my goals, and I will also seek to expand my circle of friends, provided they share a growth mindset.

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This is my response to the HIVE LEARNERS weekly prompt in the hive-learners community for the Week 198 Edition 2, and the topic to be discussed is NEW YEAR, NEW PEOPLE.

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Image from my device

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