#SquadGoals


Pictured: a variety of different heart shapes made of various colors and types of wire on a linoleum background

At certain points in time, it becomes pretty obvious you are- at least in part- the people you surround yourself with. This past weekend has been a constant reminder of that, for better or worse. I watched a squad of my college professors band together and revolt against new policies. I had some incidents at work that were heartening. I watched a couple different random things online. And my favorite part is I will finally get to see two of my best friends next month!

You may not think about them as your “squad,” but the people you choose to spend time with (and sometimes don’t choose) reflect on you and shape you into the person you become. Sometimes even the smallest interaction can hold a much bigger impact in the future. I don’t necessarily think a butterfly is going to cause a tornado, but I definitely know helping a stranger can change both people involved.

The belief that the people around me reflect back on me and sometimes change me is part of why I am selective about who gets my free time. I remember hosting a party last year and inviting some new people. They seemed very surprised by how few people were there, and it was actually a larger than usual turnout. Maybe next time I should say gathering? Suddenly wondering if there is a social definition of party vs. gathering…

Coming back to the title, I have realized at previous points my “#squadgoals” have been very different, and they are very different for people I have interacted with online. I’m happy with my little “squad” as it were. I like the people I have been interacting with on Instagram, I like my little band of coworkers, and I adore the other people I choose to spend life with.

I’ve mentioned in the past finding support is so important, but I haven’t quite framed it this way before- those people can shape you. Be careful with them as you would be with yourselves. Together, we can shape ourselves and our world.

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