It Is People You Need

“Get to the people you trust to keep you safe” I read from someone on Twitter today, then I saw this image this morning from Teal Swan and felt compelled to write this post immediately.

All of the 2023 goal crushing posts I’ve seen in the last few days has me thinking about the importance of the people around you while you’re crushing those goals. Because what is life without your most precious “safe” people around you to lay on the ground with you when you fall and cheer you on when you rise again?

I’ve had a few profound moments in 2022, but one memory that comes to mind when I think of 2022 is when I tore my hamstring in April. As I laid on the ground writhing in pain about to black out, my middle daughter was over me immediately. She put her hands on my cheeks, looked me dead in the eyes as I laid there, and kept repeating “You’re going to be okay, Momma. You’re going to be okay. Listen to the music, Momma, listen.” She saw me on the ground and came to my side with refreshing care, concern and encouragement. There was no shame like “you should have been more careful”. There was no speech about how I should know better. She came with warmth, safety and connection. Period.

Bob Goff, one of my favorite fellow human Tiggers and renowned author, talks about how at the end of our lives—the very last day—we can only have about eight people at our bedside. He says, give or take, that is about how many people could fit around your hospital bed as you near the end of your life. These are the people that did not come with toxic positivity. These are the people who saw the beautifully messy human you are and loved you anyway. These are the people who heard the anxiety in your voice and said “I got you” instead of judging you. These are the people who came with the whole damn plate of food instead of breadcrumbs. These are the people who did not make you question your self worth, but rather showed you time and time again that even as flamboyant as you can be, you are still cherished and loved just as you are.

As you consider your 2023 goals and New Year resolutions, my hope is that you also consider ensuring the people in your life are the ones that keep you safe. My hope is that you surround yourself with people who feel like sunshine and warmth. My hope is you find your safe people with whom you can remove your armor. My hope is that you edit your life in 2023 to ensure you are investing your time with the people who will be surrounding you at the end of your life. It’s never been about what you do, it has always been about who you do it with.

Be well x Laura