Through the Eyes of Om - #Corefriends

Why is it important to connect and develop relationships? We are by nature social beings that #follow the lead of our #friends, or they in turn follow ours. From a very young age, who we associate with can influence how we develop throughout life.

In today's quickly evolving lifestyle, these people that we surround ourselves with is even more important than ever. Many times, in fact, it is the process that means so much, rather than just the outcome. Consider the use of social media and how our lives professionally and personally have been impacted by platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Snapchat, WhatsApp, Skype, etc. We are so busy today, that every time we have the chance to have a "conversation" with others, it's truly right at our fingertips. It's even easy enough to record a video and post it immediately, heck, you can even live stream if you want to so you your family and friends don't miss a moment! Sharing what you do, or more importantly, others being able to share with you what they do is almost a seamless experience today.

It isn't easy though, being able to tolerate the different personalities or differing energies of others. And this isn't bad or good, it's just how we are wired. Perhaps there is an introvert in our group that gravitates to quieter conversations around the why and how of things. Versus the loud and boisterous type that absolutely must have an opinion on every instance in the news or some sporting event. Neither are liked or disliked, but forming a connection with either of them can be very different for a variety of reasons. It is for these types of reasons, that is important to have your own core group of friends. Think to yourself, ever hear one of your friends say this, "I really wish I could get LESS out of our friendship?!" Hopefully not, in fact, I would think that many of us wish that we could get MORE out of our friendships. What this is quantified though, is up to each of you to invest in what matters most.

Why this matters...

1. Having different views and perspectives - it is simply amazing that our learning doesn't necessarily take place in schools anymore. Our friends can sometimes make the best teachers on how to take look from a different perspective, not necessarily our own. This in turn provides education and knowledge through the eyes of another person's culture and upbringing.
2. Understanding how to have acceptance - just because someone has a different view from your own doesn't make one of you wrong, and the other right. Just starting the conversation and having an open mind of the who, what, why of things is a starting point. Much of who we are is based on our upbringing and molding since our earlier days. This is why it is so important to recognize this in ourselves (and others).
3. Respect who they are not how they look - our perceptions and judgements are made almost instantaneously when we meet people for the first time. It's based on how they look, what they wear, our first interactions and sometimes those leave forever decisions. But it's amazing to see how someone that you meet for the first time, and perhaps you may have judged incorrectly initially, ends up becoming a friend.

Find a group of people who challenge and inspire you; spend a lot of time with them, and it will change your life. 

-Amy Poehler

Continue to develop and learn how to communicate with those that are closest to you. But also keep an open mind for those that you (or perhaps they) think might be able to bring out the best in each other and add to your core group. Instead of making the quick judgement of look, for example based on culture, race, sexual orientation, really work to get to know someone on a more fundamental and intimate level. These are how friendships and deep, personal relationships are created and in essence flourish.

-Om