By Barbara Britt
I was drawn to this state from the Mind Journal, “Your diet is not only what you eat. It is what you watch, what you listen to, what you read, the people you hang out with, and the things you subject your mind and soul to. Always be mindful of the things you put into your body emotionally, spiritually, and physically.”
If we think of our mind, body, and soul as our most valuable possession; then we must think about all the outside things we subject it to. You have to be mindful of the people at home, work, church, and other buildings in your values—then, outside organizations. However, you do not need to open up to their bombardment of negative or unhealthy influence just because of your daily involvement with them. Go every day with your mind set on adding value to everyone you meet. Keep your circle close to you so that you have someone to share your goals and passions with. Building your values, then adding people that hold you accountable while loving you unconditionally will develop your circle. Do they find joy with your accomplishments, even though they themselves receive nothing but the joy of watching you or others succeed? Now look inward in order to stay in your own circle—you must walk your talk. Do you love them unconditionally while finding joy over their accomplishments, and can you hold them accountable?
The ability to make choices is what gives us ownership of our lives, and we always have a choice. Sometimes that choice is to do nothing at all, allowing things to happen to us. While other times, we step over the threshold of the unknown and make things happen. Remember, every day we get to make the choice on how we want to react to what life empowers us with.
Be intentional about the people you share your journey with. Just as importantly, you need to make sure who you journey with. And, you need to make sure you’re equally there for people in your circle and the surrounding areas. By protecting your Circle of Influence, watching, and participating in it with care, you will be able to see the growth in everyone. However, your circle is like a garden; if left untended, it will go to weeds.
I want to live my life by this quote holding myself to a higher standard of thought:
“Either I will find a way or I will create a way; but I will not create an excuse.” ~Philip Sidney~
Excuses are a death trap; they keep us from working on ourselves to help others. While building your circle and maintaining it, you must make sure that you and the people in it nourish it properly. In my personal circle, we are using the QBQ (Question Behind the Question) method of asking questions, and holding ourselves, and each other accountable. To remain mindful, action focused, and accountable, we ask ourselves these three questions containing “I”.
1. What am I going to do right now to accomplish this?
2. How am I going to accomplish this?
3. What action steps am I willing to take?
Only then, we can effectively tend to our diet of emotional, spiritual, and physical well-being. Take a chance… life holds so much promise for all of us. How will you be dieting?
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