“You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” – Jim Rohn
When this quote was shared with me many years ago by my boss (Dr. Valente) my younger self didn’t feel that the thought was entirely true. How can my success or my mannerisms be influenced by the people I choose to spend time with? I am my own person after all, can’t I enjoy the company of someone without absorbing some of their thoughts and views?
The honest answer is, no. Throughout life, I have always been me, with the flavor of whomever I spend the most time with or admire at that time. Sometimes that has been a really awesome version of myself and sometimes that has been a really bad, almost didn’t go to college, version of myself. Thankfully, I avoided those bad versions, like a bad habit.
But, I am exactly what Jim Rohn says, the average of the people I spend the most time with.
I am my husband. There are so many traits we share, some he got from me and some I got from him, but there is one thing from him that totally stands out to me. Before meeting my husband, I was tragically messy. Like, you don’t want to see what my bedroom looked like. I remember very early in our relationship he made the comment that “he couldn’t live in a messy house.” I looooved him like no other, so you better believe on that day I vowed to never be messy again, because I dreamed of keeping his house clean someday. Now, keeping a clean house is second nature, funny how I never forgot that.
I am my mom. I wrote an entire post about the similarities my mom and I share. Even if we didn’t spend as much time together as we do now, I’m sure those influences she’s been giving me since birth would be sticking! My mom gave me the best traits, if I say so, she taught me to be kind first! My mom once told me that she never goes without a pair of earrings, that a friend of her’s once said that she felt naked without her earrings. Ever since then, my mom has always worn a pair of earrings. She was influenced by a friend and then that influence rubbed off on me, not necessarily the earrings themselves, but the jewelry. A piece of jewelry is necessary with every outfit.
I am my kids! How do my kids influence me? My kids encourage me to be carefree and young at heart. My boys make me laugh at silly things and remind me to take in small moments. When I want to be serious and caught up in the day-to-day, they remind me that the most important part of life is enjoying it, not marking off that to-do list! An extension of my kids, is the life that comes with being a mom and the other moms I come across. One fellow mom that has influenced me the most is my other sister-in-law. She is always so prepared, when you have a picnic in the park, she has the plates and napkins and anything else under the sun you can think of. She was the first person to introduce me to places around town that I could take the kids to play or just to get out of the house. She taught me to embrace the #momlife. Because of her, I pack a better diaper bag, plan fun things for the boys and I to do and I feel less guilty when my kid has a full blown melt down in public because she prepared me for that long before I experienced our first tantrum.
I am Erica. Erica is many things to me, a friend, dancing party, blog partner and sister-in-law. Erica inspires me to be more outgoing and adventurous, but very early on she inspired me to be better organized. The first time I opened up Erica’s bathroom cabinets, I think her and my brother were dating and I was looking for a hair tie or a roll or toilet paper or something, I don’t remember. But what I do remember was the ultra organization she had going on in her cabinets! Up until that point, I was used to the messy, throw the hairdryer in and shut the door really fast, cabinets we had at home. Erica’s cabinets had a little cubby for everything. I later found out that she also has really organized and streamlined closets. At the time, I was impressed and thought, that is so not me. But, since that day, through all of these years I’ve subconsciously worked to be better organized and keep my cabinets and closets nice and tidy…just like Erica.
I am my brother. I totally had that “I want to be just like my big brother” thing going on when I was growing up. There is so much about myself, that was picked up from him. My brother always dressed well and paid attention to his health and wellness. It was his influence that encouraged me to become interested in fitness and paying attention to what I put in and on my body!
Because of the people in my life, I am me. I am a determined, well dressed, good mom, that is always striving for better organization. The five people (or groups of people) I currently spend the most time with, encourage me to be the very best version of myself.
So, what about you? Are you the average of the people you spend the most time with? The more important question is, are the people you’re surrounding yourself with, encouraging you to be the best version of yourself?
– Brooke
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Such lovely photos
Beauty Candy Loves
love the lace details and cute pants too.
xo
PinkSole
First of all come link this up today, not only is this one of my favorite outfits but I LOVE your voice and pondering if the people surrounding us lift us to be better? That top is beyond adorable…like you!!
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. That is actually one thing I love about your blog. This is fabulous look – the detail on the top is perfect!
Such an interesting quote! And very true as well, I find. There’s a similar quote about saying you know what someone’s life is like if you look at the lives of their friends. I don’t remember the exact words but that’s the general idea of it!
Lovely post about your love for your friends and family too 🙂
Thank you for the link up!
Away From The Blue Blog
This is so interesting and has me thinking now! Love those coral pants and your top is darling! Such a cute look!
Jill
Doused In Pink
It’s so important to surround yourself with good people & I absolutely agree that whomever you spend the most time with really makes an impact! This is such a sweet post & I love the thought of being like my kids, they really do light up my life in the best way possible!
I love this outfit, I need that top in my life:)
Marta
http://www.sweatersstripesandsweets.com
Wow what a very relevant post – yes that quote is SO true that’s why it’s important to really be careful with who we connect and be with! Thanks for sharing this and your lovely look today – Enjoy the rest of the week!
Rebecca
http://www.redtagchiclosangeles.com
Such a nice quote! Love learning more about you and your family! Love your coral pants paired with the top, and your hair looks amazing. Love the haircut length.
-Tatiana
We Shop in Heels
Your thoughts are very interesting! You also look so chic!
Meet My Lovely World
Very cute outfit and what an interesting read! Loved hearing about your 5 main influences in life and I can guarantee I will be thinking about who mine are and how they influence me today!
Gina || On the Daily Express
Beautifully said, I love how you went through the people that you ‘are’…definitely making me think.
Love this post! It’s fun to hear about all the important people in your life. We are definitely influenced by those around us for good or for bad. I learned that in college and thankfully made some wonderful friends who helped shaped my path. I look back and am so thankful for that time in my life.
Amy Ann
Straight A Style
I think this is so true too, I had never heard this quote before though. Those coral pants are such a nice pop against that gorgeous black top!
Carrie
curlycraftymom.com
I thoroughly enjoyed reading about your loved ones and how they have influenced you, Brooke. You look really great in this lace detail top and I love the color combination!
What a great quote and I agree we really are the people that are most influential in our lives. Love your pretty outfit!
Thank you for hosting and hope you are having a fab week!
Alice
http://www.happinessatmidlife.com
Hope to see you Thursday for TBT Fashion link up.
Such a cute outfit! Love that top!
~Samantha
http://goldcoastgirlblog.com
I think this is all true and I think we subconsciously choose people to be in our lives that inspire us in ways. I enjoyed reading this post and I am sure your loved ones will too!
I never thought about any of this but it makes so much sense. Great post that made me think. You are great Brooke. Cute outfit, love the top.
this post really got me thinking about the people I spend time with and how I really am like them in so many ways. Really interesting read.
And your outfit?! well obviously I adore it!!! LOVE the top and the colorful pants! Love me some colored pants!
Simply Shaunacey
OH my gosh, I love this so much! And love that shirt too. So true that you are the people around you. I want to be more organized…but alas I am not 🙁
I love this post! Yes, I think that I definitely am influenced by the good qualities of the people I choose to surround myself with and hopefully some of my good qualities they admire as well!
Love this look too!
xx, Elise
http://www.sparkleandslippers.blogspot.com
Great post! Love your shirt too!
This post is so sweet! Has me thinking. Love your outfit, too!!
Mary
http://www.marymurnane.com
What a lovely post Brooke and I am sure it made all of those who inspired you feel good today.Keep inspiring!
Rachel xo
http://garaytreasures.com
I love this post! It’s so true that we are influenced by those we surround ourselves with. Thank you for sharing your five, and loving your blouse!
Rachael
http://www.threadsforthomasblog.com
Such a beautiful post! I love all the positive ways you’ve found that these important people in your life have helped shape you into the person you are. It’s great food for thought.
Xo
Lee |
LegalLee Blonde
This is such a well written post. It is true that the people we spend the most time with rubs off on us but also shapes us to be who we are. You look lovely as usual.
xo Sheree
http://poshclassymom.com
IG: @poshclassymom
What a great post! I never thought about being like the people I spend the most time with before, but I can definitely see the truth to it. I love all the ways those people in your life have had a positive impact. Also, those coral pants are calling my name–they look so pretty and spring-y! 🙂
I think this is an interesting concept, and I definitely agree that I am like some of the people that I spend my time with, just as they are like me. I love your outfit as well! You look so cute and I love how you added the leopard flats. 🙂
Rachel
Simply Rachel Nicole
Such a sweet article! Lovin the look, too, obviously. 🙂 I’ve been hoping for a blogger bestie to appear. Seems like you and Erica keep each other motivated! Sending you happy thoughts!
http://www.sweetsauceblog.com/spring-2016-fashion-essentials-shopping-list/
This is such a thought provoking post. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve had to move away from a few people in my life who weren’t good for me. It’s hard, but you have to surround yourself with the people who are good to you and for you. Your outfit is adorable too!
Its so hard to let some people go, I’ve had to do so myself, but you do always feel so much better after!
Thanks girl!!! We do keep each other motivated. 🙂
Thanks so much Rachel!
Thanks Shea! These are my new favorite pants! 🙂
So true!! I’ve had to learn to be careful who I spend time with for that reason!
Thanks so much Lee 🙂
Thanks Rachael, you’re too sweet. 🙂
I hope so 🙂 Thanks Rachel!
Thanks so much Mary!
🙂 Thanks Amy!
I hope I am mutually admired too. 😀 Thats the best feeling!
I am always trying!! Sometimes I do really well and then other times, I’m just one hot mess, haha!
Thank you so much Shaunacey! 😀
You are great Ada!! Thanks so much. 🙂
So true Laura! I didn’t even think about the subconscious part, so very true.
Thank you so much!
Thank you sweet Alice!
Aw thank you Jennie!!
My boss is a big fan of a lot of motivational speakers, so he is always throwing these little quotes my way. They get me thinking!
I learned the same lesson in college, such a pivotal time. 🙂
Thank you so much!
Thank you Gina!
Thanks so much!
Aw thank you Tatiana!
I hope you have a great rest of your week too Rebecca! 🙂
My kids make me so silly and less uptight, especially in public, lol!
Thanks so much sweet Jill!
That quote is so true too!!
Thank you so much Carrie, that means a lot!
You always make me smile Andrea! Thank you!
Thanks Rachelle!!
Thanks so much Candice!
such an interesting post where it really makes you think about yourself and reflect. liked this!
http://www.fionnac.com
LOVED reading this post so much! It’s so funny because I actually think about stuff like this quite often, and our situations are so similar! My boyfriend is a super neat freak and he used to comment on how messy I was, and ever since I’ve kicked the habit… I’m cleaning my room constantly and it’s become one of my favorite things to do! My mom also wears a ton of rings and bracelets, and of course I’ve been adding to my collection just the same! P.S. – love that top!
Lauren
http://oliverstwistblog.com
I absolutely love this post!! Now I have to think about the five people that Im around most!
http://thecourtneydiaries.com
Great post! I think it’s also true in the sense that the 5 people you spend the most time with also reflects who are and what you like; like what you’re attracted to is what you are. XO
Lauren-Blair
http://www.prefertobedemure.com
This quote is so true, and definitely relays the importance of valuing relationships. =)
http://www.avecamber.blogspot.com
http://www.bloglovin.com/avecamber
I hope you have a great week!
Amber
Love this post- and your outfit here. I definitely believe in this- I’m a LOT like the average of the 5 people I spend the most time with. 🙂
-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
These are really beautiful and insightful words! I guess that means that we fluctuate frequently, as people come and go in our lives, or are around us more or less frequently. I believe it is extraordinarily powerful when someone still influences you after they are gone.
–Roxanne
Glass of Glam
I am definitely like my mom and my sister! The older I get the more I sound like my mom and my sister! A lot of time people can not tell us apart when we talk.
”The average of the people I spend the most time with” – that’s such an interesting perspective, and I’d imagine very true! This black lace-detailed blouse looks amazing on you 🙂
Gabrielle | A Glass Of Ice x
I love this quote and thinking of that I am also part of somebody’s life as well as my husband, parents and close friends are the part of mine)
Loving your outfit!
Tanya
http://www.StripesNVibes.com
BlogLovin
Oh wow, that really made me think about if it’s true for me as well! Interesting idea. It might be, but maybe because I attract people who are similar to me in the first place and become important because of that..
Malin | Spark&Bark
xx
This is such a great quote and post !! 🙂 Xx
http://kashmirandsilk.com/
Great post – It’s interesting and I think that we do pick up traits from the people around us and I’m sure I’m influenced by the people I’m closest to. Love your outfit too, by the way !!
http://www.thevelvetrunway.com/
I’ve read this sentence somewhere, however I didn’t really pay attention back then. Now when I read yours and think myself, it makes sense and definitely see how the people around me influenced me and changed me.
Ela BellaWorld
This quote is so true, I really love this post! And I love the look!
Have a great weekend!
XO Erica
http://www.ericavoyage.com
This is so true and really makes you think about who you hang out with and how we all influence each other. Thank God I like very much the 5 people I hang out with the most lol! x
Love,
Whit
http://www.whitneyswonderland.com
Such an interesting quote and statement to reflect upon…!
♥
Amber
All the Cute
Great post! And I love your outfit!
xx
Mademoiselle Coconath
http://mllecoconath.com
I love this post. I think this quote is definitely true. For me, my husband and two of my girl friends definitely fit into this list. However, so many of our friends and family have moved recently that I’m feeling a little lost without them, and certainly having less around me to influence me. So I guess the remaining two would probably be my coworkers. Which is great, I like them as people for sure! But our workplace is toxic, and we’re all kind of in tough spots. Hoping this can be changed soon. I would love to spend more time with my sister, but she’s been busy working full time in a nearby city while putting herself through the end of her online schooling. Hopefully soon she’ll finish up! (organization is a great thing to have rub off on you!) XO – Alexandra
Simply Alexandra: My Favorite Things
Great post! I love thinking about the 5 people I spend the most time with. I’m sure it changes a little bit through out your life, but the constants for me will always be my parents.
http://www.cupcakendreams.com/friday-favorites-5/