It’s one of those Mom things you hate to admit, but she was right. Dolly Parton reminds us in this tune that you are known by the company you keep. Be it at work, at home, in the neighborhood or in love, we become those we associate with most.
When we spend time with people we become more alike. We rub off on each other, learn each other’s habits and terminology, we may even begin to look alike. All of that can be a very amazing thing. What a great way to learn and grow by observing positive, life changing behaviors. If we spend enough time with people their best traits become our best lessons.
And the other side of the coin is also true. When we live with, we work with and hang around people who have a negative impact, poor vocabulary, or bad habits that all rubs off on us too. Our standards lower, we try less, our work becomes sub par and our thoughts betray our uninspired environment. Less than becomes acceptable and we become known for giving in to mediocrity.
So what influence do you have on the people who hang around you? Positive, negative, excellence or mediocrity? Are they better than they were before you met, or has your influence encouraged their game to slip. People do watch us, they do learn from us and we do impact lives even by the smallest parts of our self. It’s a great reminder that we are known by the company we keep, so it is time to keep only the best in ourselves for our sake and others.
Ann Art Gallery Blog 