Want to know someone? Look at who’s around them.

Myposse More than a month ago, Robyn McMaster tagged me, asking me to share a quote that I found to be inspirational and dedicate it to at least three other bloggers who, for me, embody the quote.  (Robyn was tagged by Joanna Young)

Robyn’s quote, which she dedicated to me, Liz Strauss, Chris Brown, Gavin Heaton and Ellen Weber was:

The brain is designed to grab what input it can and then
boil it up into a froth of understanding
.
 

John McCrone

First…lofty praise that I’ll do my best to live up to and second, that’s an impressive group to be sharing an attribution with.  Thank you.

I have given this quite a bit of thought. I’ve actually had my quote identified for several weeks but just wanted to let it simmer for a bit.  I used the quote on the program for Blogger Social’s Saturday night dinner program, knowing I’d write more about it here.

I think one of life’s most valuable skills is to see people clearly.  To know not only who they appear to be, but who they truly are and who they aspire to become.

My secret weapon for figuring that out is to observe who they surround themselves with.  I don’t believe there is anything more telling.  We choose to spend time with people that we connect with, that have similar hearts and values.  We surround ourselves with people who not only support us but inspire us to be even better than we are today.

So with that, I dedicate this quote to some of my amazing friends, who I am proud to be measured and judged by. 

Tell me your friends, and I’ll tell you who you are.

Assyrian Proverb

My thanks to you: Gavin Heaton, CK, Lori Magno, and Luc Debaisieux.  To be judged by your presence in my life is a good fortune I’m not sure I deserve but I will gladly accept.

 

12 comments on “Want to know someone? Look at who’s around them.

  1. Robyn says:

    Drew, I am with you in spirit at the Blogger Social!

    I admire your thoughtfulness in linking people, with whom you surround yourself, to the quote.

    Once Gavin mentioned that he can learn a lot about people by looking over the music they select. I never thought about that until he mentioned it. And likely, we share similar tastes, but will find selections that even we may not yet know! That’s part of the beauty of our friendships both in person and online.

    You have amazing friends all the way around, Drew, and I’m glad to be counted into the fold somewhere!

  2. Gavin Heaton says:

    Oh what a stunning bunch! I remember reading a quote years ago but can’t remember who it was by. The author was asked to move from Eastern Europe to the US. His response was along these lines … “What about my enemies? What is a man to do without those who love him and those who do not”. In a complex world we seem to need both … but I always prefer the love!
    Thanks for letting me part of your gang 😉

  3. Robyn,

    Well hopefully next year you’ll join us in person.

    You’re right, I am so blessed. I am surrounded by remarkable people (online and off). And you are most definitely counted among them!

    I’m a lucky man!

    Drew

  4. Gavin,

    It was such a great feat to find a picture of the four of you together. I’ll bet it was the only time the 4 of you stood side by side all weekend, with all the mingling and mixing we all did.

    I’m honored to have you as a key member of my posse, as you know. You make me look good!

    Drew

  5. “We surround ourselves with people who not only support us but inspire us to be even better than we are today” –

    Dear Drew, this is so true… When words to describe such a moment of intense emotion are not legion, you find them, share them with us and so… inspire us that way. Thank YOU for the honor, my friend.

  6. Lori Magno says:

    Drew: this is truly the nicest thing ever said about me. It was my honor to be in this amazing company at Blogger Social. How awesome to be counter in the stars like this.

  7. Luc,

    As I have told you — you are a blessing in my world. Your gentility and kindness inspire me on a regular basis.

    Drew

  8. Lori,

    As you well know, you are simply one of my favorites in the whole world. I suspect you might actually be Mary Poppins — positively perfect in every way! Hell, you even come with your own tiara!

    Drew

  9. CK says:

    Oh pal, this is really touching. I just HEART that photo and that moment.

    But mostly I cherish what it stands for–really good people who are real friends…and who inspire, support and lift another. That is what life is about, the rest of it is just details, eh?

    Sending a big hug to you virtually…please know that I’m not only blessed, but better for knowing you.

  10. Ellen Weber says:

    Wow — what an amazing privilege — to have this link with valued friends and colleagues all! What did we do before the wonder of blogs brought together our discourse and comeraderie! I am honored!!

  11. CK,

    Without a doubt the message in that photo for me is ….wow, I love these 4 people and how they have touched my life. Lucky me.

    Big hug right back at you!

    Drew

  12. Ellen,

    It certainly is an impressive list of good, smart, generous people. You are right, we’re fortunate to be among them!

    Drew

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