Do you ever notice exactly how much your friends influence your life and just how important that is for a life well lived? Neil Pasricha explores this concept in his new book, “The Happiness Equation” where he mentions we are the sum of the five closest people to us. From the oldest friends in your circle to brand new friends, their personalities, experiences and lifestyles influence you too. It’s funny how that happens and can easily be a wonderful addition to your life or quickly become something you need to change. When your friends are happy and content they influence you in positive ways and when your friends hit rough patches, it can bring you down. No matter what, surrounding yourself with people who want what you want and have similar values is key to keeping it all in perspective.
I have to admit, my closest friends are some of my biggest influencers and they absolutely contribute to my life in more ways than I can explain in this post. I like to consider my closest friends my “circle of trust” in that I know I can tell them anything. My secrets are safe, but I am also not judged. When I fall or make a bad decision, they’re there to help me navigate a way out and when I’m riding a wave of success, they’ll help me celebrate. Along with my family, these ladies make my life full and I wouldn’t have it any other way. You certainly don’t have to be in the same place in life, the same age or even live in the same city, but when it gets down to the core – sharing similar values will keep that influence positive and that circle tight.
May daughter Amber is great example. Yes, before anything – Amber is my daughter – and I love her more than anyone in this world, but as she’s grown up – she really has become one of my closest friends. We spend a lot of time together – we’re family! And, we share a business – so, of course – as with anyone, there are tense times, but Amber really is my best friend. Her positivity, creativity and her love for her children inspires me every day – to be a better mom, an excellent grandmother, a positive influence and creative thinker at my businesses.
Jennifer Lopez…one of my nearest and dearest and just so close to my heart. She’s like my sister and I would never think twice about saying that! JLo is always a force of positivity, constantly smiling and always striving to be an even better version of herself. She’s the most amazing mom, with a work ethic that never stops – and I am thankful every day to have her friendship and her influence in my life.
Eva Longoria…she’s always smiling, always beautiful and always reliable. When I talk about that circle of trust – she’s at the center. I’d trust her with anything and she’s been a friend through it all – the ups and the downs that life has brought my way. Her success and driven personality is so inspiring too – she juggles it all and I love it.
Kim and Khloe Kardashian….I mean could there be anything more special and awesome than having two sisters as some of your closest friends? They are such different gals with distinctive personalities, but we all share that same zest for life and commitment to hard work, and we all inspire one another. Get a group of driven women like that all in one room – and there’s no doubt we can do anything we put our minds to. It’s amazing.
La La Anthony…This lady has seen me in all sorts of situations. Good, bad, tired, ugly – we are real sisters with a real friendship. And what I admire most about La La is her tenacity and work ethic. She keeps it real. There is no stopping this woman – whatever she’s got on her plate, she’s going to do it, do it well, and make a name for herself in the process. I’m honored to be able to work on Motives with her. But I’m even more honored to call her a friend.
So you see, your friends really do influence your life – in the good times and the bad – and they can fill your heart and life with incredible positivity. You circle of friends is often at the core of what makes you happiest, bringing laughter, love and pure friendship to your every day. Now, the question is, who are you keeping in your life? And how is that affecting you?
