Expanding Your Circle of Influence

  In this new decade, it will be vital to create a conscious awareness of whom
you have in your inner circle and through this, balance your life.
Consider this: the 5 people closest to you will dictate your financial
status.  Hangin' with Trump or hanging with the old "gang"?

  This categorization is not meant as a value judgment.  In fact, it is
important that we have a balance of people in our lives that will inspire us
and those that will make us say "screw it." Picture a circle that gradates
in color from red on the bottom to blue on the top. This is the Circle of
Influence and the people in your life fill out this circle according to the
role they play in your life. A good way to view each individual is to think
of people as being either above or below the equator within the color chakra
types; specifically in relation to you.
 Let's begin with the lower three chakra, (red, yellow and orange) - in this
arena are the folks who ground us, play with us and keep us solid - steady
as she goes. In essence, they are our "inherited folks:" Old friends,
family, neighbors and schoolmates.  These people serve a powerful purpose in
reminding us where we have come from.  They are often the ones we rely on
emotionally in challenging times. 

  Be aware however, that in general, they see you as they once knew you and
often miss your growth.    They are most influential in our early years;
however, some of these folks also cross into the center portion, which is
the Green or Heart category. 

  Green personalities tend to always "get" us.  They understand who we are,
and somehow always seem to give us what we need to continue to grow. (A
perfect example of a Green personality is Oprah Winfrey.  She has changed
with us over the years, and has grown herself.)

  As we look at the higher chakra colors of blue, indigo and purple, these are
the Highlanders.  They are our spiritual partners. For some reason, we can
sit with them and no matter how much time has passed, pick up right where we
left off.

  They are the people who we spot across a crowded room and zero in on them,
and they us.  There is an unspoken connection, in essence, they are soul
mates.  The people in the upper part of your Circle of Influence are vital
for creative expression.  They inspire us in conversations and make us feel
alive.  It is exhilarating to speak to them, and they engage us in the kind
of conversations that change us for eternity.  We would be no where without
them.and they us.

  So, to complete your year, take the time to make your own circle.  Put those
who are in your life inside it.  Where do they fall?  Is it balanced?  Where
could you use another ally?