In the blog titled Love Who We Are, we covered loving ourselves. Now it’s time to look towards those around us. Who surrounds us? Are they good, bad, or indifferent? Do they deserve our time?

There is no time like the present and no present like time. We are on this planet for a limited amount of years. For this reason, time is valuable. The older we are, the more precious it becomes. Whom we choose to interact with is vital for our happiness. Will we find joy around a grouchy person; of course not. We must value those who support our pursuit of happiness. Be kind to those who do not have a positive attitude, but abstain from lingering around them.

A warm attitude is a daily must. Learn how to be courteous. Everyone is not born with this nature. Assisting others or just saying kind words will go a long way in helping others find their happiness. Interact with those we choose to keep close and let them know we care. A neglected friendship will wither like a flower thirsting for water.

Accepting friends as they are may sound like a no-brainer, but I am baffled at how many people try to change those around them. Religion and politics are the most prominent topics that cause this turbulence. It’s all right to “agree to disagree.” What a boring place this world would be if everyone thought like me. Everyone has a different perspective on life. We would do well to respect their view as they should respect ours.

This world is cold. People choose to focus on their life and rarely have time for others. Don’t be “people.” Be the friend that everyone needs, but no one deserves. Find friends that value your time as much as you value theirs. Together we can make this a beautiful place.