There are two kinds of people on earth today, just two kinds of people, no more, I say.

Not the good and the bad, for ‘tis well understood, that the good are half-bad and the bad half-good.

No! The two kinds of people on earth I mean, are the people who lift and the people who lean.

– Ella Wilcox

Who are the leaners? They are those who emotionally and physically drain others. They discourage others and burden others. When they walk in a room, it takes on a heavy feeling. The only situation that matters is theirs and they devalue relationships and drain energy and happiness from others.

Who are the lifters? They are those who people love to be around. They are encouraging, supportive, when they are in a room it comes alive. They are good listeners and know how to be there to support others. They find good in every situation. They are always adding value to relationships and to others.

We all have a choice whether we want to be a lifter or a leaner. We are a reflection of the people whom we surround ourselves with. Do the people you surround yourself with constantly withdrawal from the relationship and pull you down? Or do they lift you, encourage you and support you?

If you asked your friends if you were a lifter or a leaner, what would they say? Sometimes we float between being a lifter or a leaner and when we do, we limit our potential of becoming our best selves. When you find yourself in ‘leaner’ mode, take a moment to pause and think about how your attitude will affect those around you. When we focus on the outcomes, we can more readily adjust our behavior and attitudes.

As you go through the week, try to be more aware of when you are lifting or a leaning. Strive to be a lifter.

Change happens one day, one thought and one action at a time. It’s your choice.