I have my family and I have my ‘chosen family’. They’re both wonderful! My family of origin has always been there for me (and continues to be there for me) which is amazing considering all I’ve put them through. My ‘chosen family’ gets me on a level that no one else does. They’re a huge part of my life and who I am.

I’ve vowed to surround myself with people who bring out the best in me. There’s no more room in my life for anything but. Both my families have put up with a lot from me! I’m ever so grateful that they’ve stuck around.

I can say I’m happy with my life today (most days). A big part of that is the people in my circle. They keep me grounded. They keep me sane. I can’t imagine my life without them.

Shout-out to my mom. She has to live with me every day. I can be a pain a lot of the time, which, my mom doesn’t deserve. It’s hard living together sometimes, but at the same time, it’s also very cool to be able to spend so much time together making new memories. I love my mom and appreciate everything she does for me.

“Surround yourself with those who make you happy”. So, what does that mean to me? It means allowing people in my life who will love me unconditionally. It means allowing them to call me out on my bullshit (because how else will I learn and grow)? And, it means keeping them close to me so that, when I forget who I am and the path I’m on, they can help guide me through. And I hope I can do the same for them.

I’ve heard that we’re the sum total of the 5 people we spend the most time with. I’m satisfied about it when I think about my 5 people. I strive to be like them in some ways. Those are the people I want in my life. Those who hold similar values. Those who carry themselves with grace and self-respect. These are the things I love about the people in my circle.

Surround yourself with those who make you happy. Let them know that you appreciate them. Tell them what you admire about them. Thank them for being in your life, because they make a world of difference just by being there.

Sending love and light, Kel.