FRIEND OR FOE? BY SHELLEY STOCKWELL-NICHOLAS, PhD

FRIEND OR FOE?

BY SHELLEY STOCKWELL-NICHOLAS, PhD

There’s no doubt about it… You’re affected by the company you keep!

I’m reminded of Benjamin Bert’s 1970’s song lyrics:

“One evening in October when I was five-fifths sober…

My feet began to stutter so I lay down in the gutter

And a pig came up and lay down by my side.

We sang ‘it's all fair weather when good fellers get together’

‘til a lady passing by was heard to say, ‘You can tell a man who boozes by the company he chooses and the pig got up and slowly walked away…”

Who’s in your “inner circle?”

Do they help you to do the right thing?

Do they bring you up?

Do they represent who you really are?

Do they energize and inspire?

Do they give you a genuine pat on the back?

Do they listen and empathize with you even if they have a different opinion?

If not, perhaps you may need to choose a few more buddies. It is nice if you are in the same boat when you all row in same direction. Worse yet, a “friend” who drills holes in your boat can be a detrimental to your longevity.

Scientific studies correlate supportive friends with a enhanced immunity, and reduce inflammation and stress. Happy relationships boost self-esteem, and vitality. In essence, their kindness encourages your kindness to yourself and others. As you create happy and healthier moments of now you install happy memories.

So don’t get down and dirty in some gutter. Get up, and take loving care of yourself by bonding with supportive friends. Choose good role models and you will become a better role model for your family and others. 

Local Personality, Shelley Stockwell-Nicholas, PhD is a hypnotherapist, mindfulness and NLP trainer, artist and the author of 25 books. She certifies practitioners through the International Hypnosis Federation. You can call her at 310 541-4844.