One of the biggest insights to my life personally, as well as professionally, is the influence of various people in my life. I have a method for myself and my clients to help see and evaluate the impact. The “circles” for clarification!

The people in your life impact you greatly! Who do you allow to come into your heart space? You need to know who they are and what impact they have on you. You, as a human being with certain sensitivities, are vulnerable, to being hurt. Certainly you want to do all you can to avoid hurtful encounters. 

Here’s how it works. Draw five or six concentric circles. In the smallest circle, draw a heart. The heart is your core vulnerable self. Each circle outward from your heart indicates a distance from you. The closer the circle, the closer to your heart. Look at all the people in your life. Those closest to you put in a closer circle. Those who are not close to your heart, put in a distant circle. 

Look at each person in your life. Do you feel safe, respected, and cared for to some degree by that person? Is the relationship with that person reciprocal?

After completing your “circles” look at them carefully. Do you want to make an adjustment? Maybe you want to move some people out away from your heart. Or, perhaps, you see some potential in another person, and you want to move that person closer to your heart. 

The “circles” are boundaries. Boundaries are meant to protect, to keep safe. Wise people know their boundaries and use them to stay safe, protected, and not bogged down by people who drain you rather than invigorate you. 

Choose wisely who comes into your inner circle. Guard well. Those who are too close for comfort, have the courage to move them out. No matter who they are.

It is important to be in control of your emotional relationships. Put people in your life (“Circles”) who are additive to your life, and you to theirs. You deserve that!  

Dr. Stathas can be reached at 706-473-1780. Email: jstathas13@gmail.com. Website: drstathas.googlepages.com. Blog: drstathas.com