I had every intention this week on writing about happiness being an inside job but the energy I’ve felt this week has led me a different direction. This message has been heavy on my heart the last few days. The world lost an incredibly great man this week. Nipsey Hustle was much more than a rapper. He was a man all about his family, his growth, but most importantly changing the narrative of his past and bridging his community. He was gunned down this week by a friend turned foe in the very same community he was uplifting. I couldn’t help but think about how sometimes the enemy isn’t a stranger watching you from a far.. the enemy is a sinister foe within your own circle.
Being mindful of the company you keep is our best defense from people who pretend to love us but mean us no good. Even then there still are no guarantees in life. I like to believe that everything happens for a reason and God doesn’t make mistakes. I know there is a bigger lesson here and maybe it has everything to do with the work he was engaged in and the legacy he leaves behind. Its a hard pill to swallow when you believe in the law of attraction and you watch someone do all the right things and the absolute worst happens to them. This is what devastates me most.
We have to become better at screening people and their intentions on a continuous basis. Even the longest of friendships can become your downfall when the motives change and sadly there usually aren’t any announcements when that change occurs. I’m blessed to have solid people around me, but there are also those few that I question. Some I’ve known forever and maintain a sort of loyalty to due to the years invested but I’ve noticed the energy and vibe has shifted and it doesnt always mesh with where I’m at in my life now. I protect my peace viciously so any threat to that is removed. My personal journey on ascending into the better version of me has exposed a lot of weak connections. Everyone isn’t meant to stand the test of time and continue the journey with you.
Changing and letting go is hard, its especially hard for me but I’m learning to be more objective about it and not take it so personal. Holding onto people not meant for you will cause you more harm than good. It saddens me when people have such low communication and conflict resolution skills that you resort to violence, destroying their family, your own and the community you call home. We are living in a wicked world and sometimes I worry having to raise my child in this chaos. My daughter and I had our first bully situation last year from a girl she called her best friend for several years and my daughter was devastated. I will always teach my child to lead by morals and values, to treat others how she wants to be treated, but that’s only one part. I have absolutely no control of how her peers are raised. Bullying is such a huge issue in our schools, to the point where children are taking their own lives. I teach my child to stand up for herself and to be aware of the behaviors and actions of others and to stand firm in what she knows is right. I am teaching her young what I learned late and that’s to never be afraid to walk away from someone that violates her values.
This is the best time to start leading by example. Be the change you wish to see and show others its possible with your actions. We have more power than we realize. Although I wish this world were more peaceful and everyone got along, it just isn’t reality all the time and we must prepare and protect ourselves. I am angered by the senseless way Nipsey lost his life, but lets not make it in vain. Continue to do the work he started but in your own community. He definitely planted the seed.
Authentically_mi 
I relate so much to this post. I’ve recently cut ties with a friend of mine because he was so jealous and hurtful to me. Self Care first!
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Thats so true! A real friend wouldn’t do that so good move to make room for better people!
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Well said about watching the company you keep. One can’t grow by holding onto the past or by surrounding themselves around people who dim their light.
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Absolutely. We need the ones who encourage growth not comfort zones and toxic situations
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this was such a needed post for me! sometimes you have to cut people off who aren’t added value to your life and its hard but it has to been done for self improvement
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AMEN!!! One of my fav things to tell the next generation of kids coming up. ‘The company you keep says a lot about you’
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Yes that’s so true!
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I must agree with everything you said I mean one has to be careful out there because you don’t know who is who. Reading about Nispey death just made think you can’t please everyone and everyone we call friends aren’t friends.
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Yes you definitely have a great point!
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Thanks for sharing the post. Every word is true especially in today’s world. Sad, isn’t it?
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It really is sad
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I loved every part of it. Nipsey death has impacted the lives of many and has opened our eyes to a lot. “Bullying is such a huge issue in our schools, to the point where children are taking their own lives. I teach my child to stand up for herself and to be aware of the behaviors and actions of others and to stand firm in what she knows is right. I am teaching her young what I learned late and that’s to never be afraid to walk away from someone that violates her values.” I loved this part as I was bullied terribly in school and I hope to teach my daughter the same as you are saying
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Thank you! I was bullied too but my goal was to best prepare her as well as I can. Life lesson number 1 showed mom just might know what she’s talking about!
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I have been disconnecting myself from toxic people for a couple of years now… Hands down one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. That pic though… Epic and 100% true. RIP
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Yes it really is great to cleanse your life of toxic people!
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Love this strong and positive article. I totally agree with you when you say people who are closer to you are far more dangerous than who don’t know you.
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Thank you!!
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So important. Such a strong message with a true meaning.
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Thank you!
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If this ain’t the truth!! It always is someone jealous of your growth and success. Nipsey’s death was just absolutely senseless. It hit me hard.
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Yes smh it really hit me too! I definitely didn’t expect to feel so drawn to his energy
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you have to constantly evaluate who you have in your inner circle, some people come into your life and are not meant to stay.. you should spring clean them too! take care of your energy.. don’t let others rob you of it
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Yes this is all so true!
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I enjoyed reading this post and I agree in everything you’ve mentioned in this article. For the past 2 years of my life I learned to be disconnected myself to all toxic and negative people and choose to be surrounded by those people who will help me to grow.
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Thank you! That is awesome to hear! Disconnecting will free you!
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I agree with this. We need a company that will help us grow not those that full of negativity in life.
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Amen to that 🙌🏽🙌🏽
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As a mum to two kids, I am worrying a lot about bullying especially as they get older and will move into bigger schools. Your examples here are one which I need to follow and teach my kids as well
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Thank you! I have the same worries but we are learning as we go
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I agree being mindful is an important virtue and it is very wise to follow it and make your whole life mindful.
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Yes that’s so true!
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Ahhhh so very true!!! Sometimes the peaiple closest to you are the ones you have to look out for the most!
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This is a lesson I had to learn the hard way. Always make sure you know the people you are associating yourself with.
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This is so true!
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This post is ringing bells for me. Thanks for sharing.
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