Do you know studies show that our closest relationships promote longevity, significantly influence our mental and physical health, and can change our mindsets about ourselves?

Thinking on my 20’s as I approach my 30’s, I have reflected on my life. I started to think about decisions I have made that were positively influenced by the people I chose to surround myself with. One thing I don’t regret from my 20’s is pursuing an education in International Studies. People can take many things from me, or at least material things, but knowledge and experience are two things no one in the world can take from me. The lessons of my yesterdays I feel will prepare me for my tomorrows and even for today.

I thank my immediate family for the sacrifices that came with me obtaining a college degree. To say the least, it wasn’t easy. It was physically, mentally, emotionally, and even financially draining. But life works in mysterious ways.

I went through years of depression, weight loss, weight gain, loss of hope, and more. But look, I am still standing. I am still here. I like to think in the long run, it’s worth it. And even this week it made me smile that the youngest of the grandchildren will be starting her first year of college this fall.

It may not sound like much to some, but we are the first generation for our family to go to college. It’s a true accomplishment for our family, given to where we started from.

Even with the sudden death of my older brother during my time in college from cancer, my soul really just holds on to the hope that someday this too will pay off. You never know, my non-existing grandchildren may reap the benefits of the struggles I take on in my life. I am well aware of the sacrifices my ancestors have taken on to make a better way of life for me. I now know what it feels to be grateful.

No, my life isn’t picture perfect, but I am grateful for my time here on Earth. I like to think it’s been well spent so far with a few hard lessons here and there.

People can say what they want about my life journey, but only my #TrueFam and I know how hard I have worked to get to where I am today as well as the challenges I face now to make for a brighter future.

I now understand the importance of #TrueFam, unconditional love from my parents and my youngest brother. We are still moving forward and I feel that counts for something. So I am ready for new beginnings and have hope that never giving up is the best life policy for my life. So here I close the end of an era … thankful for surviving my 20’s and ready for better days in my 30’s. It’s not the destination but the journey that makes this thing called life worth it.

Can you think of a decision you made that was positively influenced by the people you choose to surround yourself with?  How do these people motivate and support you?

Use hashtag #TrueFam on social media and a personal blog if you have one. I would love to hear from you!

Gearing up for my 30th birthday, I would like to share this #TrueFam Effect fact sheet with research from our friends at True & Co., a company empowering women to be their #TrueSelf starting with bras that make her comfortable and happy. True & Co. believes that the best way to become your #TrueSelf is to surround yourself with your #TrueFam. They inspire us at Fromgirltogirl to live our best lives by doing good, and we hope to inspire others to do the same. Check out the newest bra collections from True & Co. today.

You may also be interested in the following articles:

True Body For Everyone
The (Not So Secret) Behind True Body