Your Circle Matters

 Who we surround ourselves with matters. Who we associate and connect with matters. Who we go to for advice and support matters. Take a minute and think about the people in your life who you can talk to about things, big and small. I hope you can think of at least one or more people. I know I can and that's a blessing 😊!! We all should have at least one or more people that we can share anything with, and we can count on them. When you have that, it's a good thing! I have learned more and more about the importance of my circle as a result of my life experiences. Has my circle changed over time? Absolutely yes! That's okay because growth and change constantly happen. Do I have people who have been rocking with me for a long time? Absolutely yes, and that's okay too! Being aware is important 😊. Just like being aware of our surroundings is important, so is being aware of our people and the energy they carry. Recently, I started teaching a new unit to my students where all the stories focus more on relationships and the importance of connections. I gave my students a prompt to write about someone important in their life and why that person was special to them. Most wrote about family members or friends. It was heartwarming to read and hear 💗. Then a few touched my heart in a different way. They couldn't think of anyone to write about, so I guided them to write about something special to them. One wrote about their pet and another talked about basketball. It really got me thinking and opened my eyes up to the fact that not everyone may feel like they have an important person in their life. When I thought about assigning the writing prompt, I thought it would be good for the students to reflect on who they had in their life they could go to for support. I immediately thought of several people who I know I can go to. After the different writing responses, it made me be even more grateful for my circle and the people in it 💕. It also reminded me to keep being kind and show love and support the best we can because we don't know who needs it and what anyone is going through. In the Bible in Daniel 3:16-28, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego stood together and supported one another when they refused to bow down and worship the statue the king had built. The friends united their faith together and were there for each other, even when it meant going into the fiery furnace together. Now, that's a tight-knit circle because all of their lives were on the line! God brought them out without a scar or a hint of smoke in their clothes! Make sure your circle is loving. Make sure your circle is supportive. Make sure your circle is helpful. Make sure you can be yourself around your circle. To my circle, thank you for being you and allowing me to be me - I love you all💖!! Remember your circle matters 😊. Love and blessings to all!!