Protect your peace — The power of positive people

01 Oct Protect your peace — The power of positive people

We often think about wellbeing in terms of what we eat, how much we exercise and whether we are getting enough sleep.

But there is another part of wellbeing that can be just as important.

The people around us.

The conversations we have, the energy we absorb and the relationships we maintain can all influence how we feel.

Some people leave us feeling lighter, happier and more confident.

Others can leave us feeling tense, drained or questioning ourselves.

That doesn’t mean we should expect everyone in our lives to be positive all the time. Life is complicated, and everyone has difficult days.

But there is a difference between someone having a hard time and someone consistently bringing negativity into our lives.

Learning to recognise that difference can be an important part of looking after ourselves.

Positive People Don’t Have to Be Perfect

A positive person is not necessarily someone who is always cheerful.

They may still worry, struggle, complain or have bad days.

What matters is how they make you feel over time.

Positive people tend to encourage rather than diminish.

They listen rather than constantly judge.

They celebrate your good news.

They can disagree without making you feel small.

They support your growth instead of feeling threatened by it.

And perhaps most importantly, they allow you to be yourself.

These relationships can become a safe place in a world that is often busy and demanding.

Pay Attention to How You Feel

One of the simplest ways to understand whether a relationship is good for your wellbeing is to notice how you feel afterwards.

Do you feel energised or exhausted?

Calm or anxious?

Supported or criticised?

Inspired or discouraged?

Sometimes our bodies recognise unhealthy dynamics before our minds do.

We may find ourselves dreading a phone call, avoiding a gathering or feeling tense before seeing someone.

Those feelings can be worth listening to.

They do not always mean a relationship needs to end, but they may be telling us that something needs to change.

Boundaries Are Part of Wellbeing

Removing negativity from your life doesn’t necessarily mean cutting people off.

Sometimes it simply means creating healthier boundaries.

You might spend less time with someone who constantly criticises.

You may decide not to engage in conversations that always become argumentative.

You might stop feeling responsible for fixing everyone’s problems.

Or you may become more selective about who gets access to your time and energy.

Boundaries are not about punishing other people.

They are about understanding what you need in order to feel balanced and well.

Not Every Relationship Needs to Continue Forever

Some relationships change.

People grow in different directions.

Friendships that once felt natural can become difficult.

Workplaces change.

Families evolve.

There can be pressure to maintain relationships simply because they have always existed.

But history alone does not make a relationship healthy.

Sometimes stepping back is the most appropriate choice.

Where possible, we can choose distance without anger.

We can wish someone well without allowing their negativity to dominate our lives.

We can care about someone and still recognise that being around them too often is not good for us.

Build Your Positive Circle

As important as reducing negativity is, it is equally important to actively build more positivity into our lives.

Spend time with people who make you laugh.

Find those who encourage your ideas.

Reconnect with old friends who always made you feel comfortable.

Join groups, clubs or communities where you share common interests.

Make time for the people you walk away from feeling better.

Strong relationships do not need to be large in number.

Sometimes a small circle of genuine, supportive people is far more valuable than a crowded social calendar.

Protect What You Let In

We cannot control every person, conversation or situation we encounter.

But we can have some influence over what we allow to occupy our time and attention.

Just as we choose what we eat, what we watch and how we spend our time, we can also become more thoughtful about the relationships we nurture.

Surrounding yourself with positive people is not about creating a perfect life.

It is about creating an environment where you are supported, respected and encouraged to become the person you want to be.

Because wellbeing is not only about looking after your body.

Sometimes it is about protecting your peace.

If this article has inspired you to think about your unique situation and, more importantly, what you and your family are going through right now, please get in touch with your advice professional.

This information does not consider any person’s objectives, financial situation, or needs. Before making a decision, you should consider whether it is appropriate in light of your particular objectives, financial situation, or needs.

(Feedsy Exclusive)