Be cautious of anchors in life that are wrapped in familiarity. The definition of an anchor: a heavy object attached to a cable or chain and used to moor a ship to the sea bottom… The anchors I’m referring to happen to be in the form of relationships with people. Some people are under the illusion that time known represents quality or how known a person is familiar with the other. That can be the furthest from the truth in many situations. Just because you were a child with this person or acquainted during school years doesn’t mean you still know that person.

Biology is the study of living organisms, divided into many specialized fields that cover their morphology physiology, anatomy, behavior, and so on. With that being said, we all grow from childhood to teenagers, young adults, and so on. As a child maybe you enjoyed eating candy apples or a McDonald’s meal; yet as you grow your taste tends to develop with it and your awareness of what’s healthy or necessary for our bodies and mind to stay strong.

I believe it can be dangerous to associate with people just because you knew them as a child or young adult. Who you were at that point in life most likely won’t suit you as beneficial today. Have you ever heard someone say “hey do you remember when… no one could out drink you… you were always the life of the party… there was no dare you wouldn’t accept…” Some people sadly accept that their only happiness was back when and they work hard to stay in that muddled mindset.

Personally, if I’m bombarded with questions of “do you remember this…” I’m departing from that mindless time-warp. How about what’s going on in your life today? What do you have going on in your tomorrow’s? Sadly, I believe so many are subconsciously depressed, that they feel your growth is you leaving them behind. Unfortunately, some people, things, and behaviors do need to be left behind; as if shedding old skin to prepare for the new experiences and memories the universe has for you.

The world is constantly evolving, and we humans just like the animals within need to adjust with it. With the availability of information, not many of us have the excuses of doing things that have been proven dangerous towards our health. That includes certain people we’ve shared some laughs, food, or time with. This is part of my theory of “Life’s Bank Account.” Start by conducting an audit with the people you’ve invited into your life. Think about what this person or group added to my life (knowledge, growth, safety…); then think about how many times the same person or group has encouraged you to be in a dangerous situations that could’ve been your last, or just taken from you because they seem to constantly be in need. Example: Do you find yourself drinking more or smoking more around them?

Some may think that because they made it through an event unharmed that it was successful; sometimes, simple luck just helped. Example: the free drinks at the bar or boat trip with a stranger; but how many have been drugged and ended up on a special video that will last forever? Have some of the people around you encouraged the mental or physical dangers towards some choices you’ve made? Including the silence of wanting you to be safe; yet at the same time questioning you when it’s something beneficial and positive. Once you embrace that you want to grow beyond the yesterdays, I call this releasing the anchor.

True friends/family tell the painful truth. True friends/family hold us accountable. True friends/family want our growth. If you don’t have those friends or family members, now you know your anchor(s). Don’t allow people to assist in keeping you at your bottom because misery loves the company.

It’s appreciated if you add a like, subscribe, and share this post with others. Then, join the conversation. There’s plenty more where this came from, so check out some previous conversations.

Keep scrolling down for added thoughts.