Finding Our Peeps

As we approach the end of January, I have one more thought to conclude what has turned into an unintentional series on Let's Start Well!  

Here are the links to the previous posts in case you missed them:   

Just Pick 1 Thing - Just 1 Step - Be Curious - A Loose Grip

Also, thanks to those of you who have reached out with comments and feedback on the posts that have been meaningful.  It's always great to hear how they resonate with you!

This Week: Find Your Peeps!

No, not the little marshmallow treats.  This is about remembering a simple message - None of us are meant to travel this journey of life alone!  We all need to Find Our Peeps to travel with us.

But what kind of Peeps do we need?  Allow me to suggest a few.

Lovable Peeps

I am blessed to have people in my life who are willing to love me as I am, with an unconditional love that chooses to love me even with all my faults and shortcomings!  But I am also blessed to have people I can extend unconditional love to as well.  So, this first category is about finding people who will love you and who you can love.  These kind of Peeps help to remind us there is something deeper and richer in our lives than what people can do for us, or what we can do for them.  Lovable Peeps break the lie that relationships are transactional, and instead ground us in authentic acceptance and humility.

Sandpaper Peeps

I was part of a training program once that regularly provided feedback and reflection on certain components of my performance.  One of the instructors would always say, "Let me give you some sandpaper feedback because it might feel a little rough at first, but in the end, it's designed to help make you smoother!"  I really appreciated that approach because it reminded me that while they were offering me critique, it was rooted in a desire to help me grow and be a better person.  Since then, I've been able to recognize I need those kind of Sandpaper Peeps in my life - the ones who aren't afraid to tell me the truth, which might feel rough at first, but I know it's always with an eye toward my growth as a better person.

Joyful Peeps

My brother has a personalized license plate that reads Luv2Laf. The amount of times he and I call each other to just share funny stories and laugh together is pretty frequent. I have other Peeps in my life that whenever I see them, they make me smile. They are a source of light and radiance, and being around them lifts my spirit.  I also try to be that kind of person for others. If I can be present with someone in a way that helps them feel lighter and more joyful, I am always honored in my own heart by that.  And given how uncertain and stressful the world feels right now, I think Joyful Peeps are a must!

How about you? Do you have these kind of Peeps in your life? Are there other kinds of Peeps you have found to be meaningful and helpful to your journey? If some of these are lacking right now, what steps could you take to look around and connect with these kind of Peeps in your life?

Here's to Starting Well by Finding Our Peeps this year!

Be Well,

Stephen

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