Have you ever found yourself surrounded by people who seemed to only tolerate you? Embarrassingly enough, I once did. I’m not sure what kept me around for so long. Maybe it was because my immediate support system wasn’t in close proximity or, perhaps, I just needed something to do. Whatever the case might have been, I’m glad to say that those days are long gone. I’m learning how to be happy. And that means not tolerating anyone who makes me feel anything less.

I remember expressing to my counterparts my goals to one day work with Tyler Perry and Oprah. They laughed in my face, hysterically, and then spent over ten minutes explaining to me why they believed it would never happen. I went home that day and did some therapeutic cleaning. My mind was finally made up. It was time to move on from those who didn’t support my aspirations. Later on, I realized that upon leaving the situation, I first had to find value in myself. I noticed that when I started taking steps towards my purpose, these same naysayers started attacking my every move.

I’ve decided that if I have to distance myself from people who don’t dream as big as I do, then I will. When you employ much-needed change, a better you will emerge! Remove the negative energy from your life and spend more time with people who drive you to greatness.

By Dr. Avis Foley

Co-Publisher, Purpose Weekly