It’s one of my closest friend’s birthdays today — happy birthday, sweet Caroline…dah, dah, dah!
So today, I want to celebrate our tribes — the humans we intentionally choose.
They may not always agree with us on everything. They may challenge our ideas. But ultimately, they’re the ones who cheer us on and lift us up. Those are the people who should be in your inner circle.
Protect them, celebrate and honour them because they have an enormous impact on the quality of your life.
We’ve all heard the quote, “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with” — attributed to Jim Rohn. And the variation by Dan Peña: “Show me your friends and I’ll show you your future.”
Living ON Purpose includes the relationships you choose — because they quietly shape how you show up. Here’s how:
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Influence: Your closest relationships influence your thoughts, actions, energy, and outcomes. Misery loves company… so notice what you’re focusing on — because what we focus on, expands.
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Self-Worth and Confidence: They’re your biggest cheerleaders!
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Growth: The people you surround yourself with will either support, encourage, challenge you (and call you out on your BS) and open up opportunities to grow and thrive, or keep you stuck and ‘safe’ – limiting your potential.
In one of my talks, an audience member once asked what she should do about friends who don’t support her — who leave her feeling small. My (slightly controversial) answer? Get new friends.
Yes, even if you have history, because your joy, self-worth, confidence, and peace are deeply shaped by the people closest to you. They’re supposed to be your safe place — and if they’re not, you get to choose differently.
I’m not saying cut them off completely but start managing the time and energy you give them.
Maybe it’s just a quick 30-minute coffee before your “next appointment.” (Use whatever reason feels easiest if you’re not ready to have a direct conversation.) If they notice and ask why you see them less often, trust your gut, honour your wellbeing and share what you feel will bring more ease to your life.
And PS> Their reaction is theirs to carry. Not yours.
If they’re hurt by your honesty, let them be. It’s how you say it that matters — and even then, some people simply don’t want to take ownership of how they speak to or treat others.
And yes, you might offend people but only because you’re no longer appeasing them to “keep the peace” — which might never have been about keeping your peace.
Distancing doesn’t have to be dramatic or painful – it can be gentle. It may feel uncomfortable, and it probably will, but you get to choose the quality of your life.
If you’ve ever joined my workshops, you’ve heard me ask: “How do you want it to FEEL?”
Light, free, inspiring, joyful…or like you’re walking on eggshells, compromising your joy and ease?
If you’d like to invite in more ease and joy and manifest a life that you love, that inspires and fulfils you, then GET ON THE WAITLIST for my Vision & Manifestation Workshop. Don’t waste away the remainder of the year.
Vision & Manifestation Workshop: 31 October 2025
Don’t hand over the steering wheel of your life to anyone else. Be intentional because life is short.
Love your life, love, relationships and work.
With love from your biggest cheerleader and guide,
Petra
