Chapter 1: The Influence of Friends

My grandmother often reminded me, “The company you keep reflects who you are, so select your friends carefully.” This profound insight resonates deeply with me. I firmly believe that the people we associate with have a significant impact on our thoughts, behaviors, emotions, and ultimately, the paths we choose in life. This influence can lead us toward positive outcomes or, conversely, can steer us in less favorable directions.

Consider this perspective: if someone you care about surrounded themselves with negativity daily, how do you think that would affect their life? Now, contrast that with someone who surrounds themselves with uplifting, supportive individuals. The outcomes could be drastically different.

Reflecting on my upbringing, I remember my grandmother's wisdom well. Regrettably, during my youth, I often ignored her advice. I chose to forge my own path, associating with individuals who weren't the best influence on me. Recently, I had a conversation with my father, whom I hadn't seen in a while, about the lessons we glean from those around us. He reminded me of two books he had gifted me long ago: “Awareness” by Anthony De Mello and “Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway.”

While I didn’t fully appreciate these books at the time, my perspective has since changed. My son, now 19, recently reached out to me expressing struggles with self-confidence and asked if I could recommend any books to help him. I felt truly honored that he sought my guidance.

When my father inquired if I had given my son a book, I replied no. Instead, I posed a question for my son to ponder: when he looks in the mirror, what does he believe about himself? I encouraged him to take his time answering, emphasizing the importance of honesty without self-judgment.

Section 1.1: The Power of Self-Belief

Our beliefs shape every aspect of our lives, from our careers to our relationships. I asked my son what he thought I believed about him. After a moment of reflection, he said, “Dad, I think you believe I lack a good work ethic.” I appreciated his honesty and asked him for the evidence supporting this belief. He realized that I had never explicitly communicated such a notion; rather, it stemmed from his own assumptions.

I pointed out that he was holding onto a belief based on an unfounded perception. I then encouraged him to ask me what I truly believed about him. I told him, “Son, I see you as a kind, compassionate young man. I notice you can be very hard on yourself, often seeking external validation.”

This conversation allowed him to reassess his beliefs and understand their origins. He began to recognize the importance of questioning his assumptions and seeking evidence for his beliefs.

Subsection 1.1.1: Building a Supportive Environment

Chapter 2: Conclusion

Thank you for engaging with my story today. I appreciate Medium for allowing me to share my journey, and I’m grateful to all my followers. Feel free to connect with me on my Website, Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook.