When you hang out with loving, supportive people, you become a better, more successful person and you add value to their life. When you build healthy relationships, you build a better you. So, here are some helpful hints to make you and others WINNERS on all levels:

1. EVALUATE. Assess your inner circle and notice qualities you appreciate. Discern the behavior of those around you because, their emotion, thoughts, and habits are contagious. If those around you are toxic, perhaps it’s best to back off; they aren’t exactly your peeps. I’m reminded of the 1930s lyrics sung by Frank Crumet:

“One evening in October

When I was one-third sober…

My poor feet began to stutter

So, I lay down in the gutter

and a pig came up and lay down by my side…

Till a lady passing by said,

‘You can tell a man who boozes

By the company he chooses.’

…And the pig got up and slowly walked away…”

2. SEEK OUT THE BEST. Expand your horizons so you move toward mutually supportive relationships that bring peace of mind, wellbeing, happiness and success. When you do, mirror neurons make you a better person. So put yourself in situations where you meet and spend time with those who share your values and priorities and think positively.

3. VALUE THEM. Now that acknowledge who they are; build them up. Place a high value on them and your relationship. Love them unconditionally. Complement them often. Albert Einstein said, “A person starts to live when they live outside themselves.”

4, BE RELIABLE. When you say you will do something… DO IT. Make your word your bond. Be a consistent friend and expect your friend to return in kind.

5. CREATE GREAT MEMORIES. Take time to celebrate their successes and be there if they are in an hour of need. A phone call or note goes a long way. Even a small moment can highlight and delight. So, make someone feel special by doing a thoughtful action. Last week I was given an award by the International Association of Transpersonal Hypnotherapy… naming me “Hypnosis Icon.” I'll never forget this delightful recognition… It's right up there with my husband turning me into an imogi.

6. HAVE FUN AT YOUR OWN EXPANSE. As you surround yourself with those mutual heartfelt values and priorities, you maximize what you want… what you really, really want. In fact, those closest to you influence your success in reaching your goals and dreams, so choose wisely and you’ll live it up as you live up to your full potentials.

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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.

Dr. Shelley can be reached at shelleynicholas@cox.net or www.hypnosisfederation.com