The other day I had a conversation with a friend where they asked a question which got me thinking. “How do you choose who you surround yourself with?”

Innocent as it may be, it’s also quite a coy way to ask someone to be vulnerable to reveal what kind of person they are. I’m not positing this idea to be revolutionary nor to stir some deep thinking, because it’s not a new idea, after all.

Remember that phrase, “tell me who your friends are, and I will tell you who you are”? In many ways, there is truth to it. We tend to like the same things our friends do—go to the same places, have similar opinions on things, have similar food preferences, and so on. And there’s nothing wrong with that, unless it grows into a sort of cult, or hive mind. But, I digress.

So, Macky, how do you choose the people you surround yourself with?

It was in college that I came to a realization that I have an inclination to gravitate towards people who are interesting, inspiring and effortlessly authentic. Obviously these are on top of other baseline of what it means to be a decent human being. It was—and has been—easy enough for me to determine if someone’s off following my principle. This is not to say that I am some litmus test to see if someone’s great or has the potential for it. Not at all. I have just learned to set a certain standard, and I have often been unapologetic how I have stood by it.

Now, it’s not perfect. I have, in the past, made some bad calls as well. Have there been any regrets on those former friends? Yes, and no? Yes, because it meant having wasted time and energy. But, also, no because it furthered certain hypotheses I have about myself—all in the quest towards fully realizing who I am. And also, because it proved that I am surrounded by quality friends who probably vouched at one point that said former friends were just not it, and they were right all along. Ha ha.

Anyway, where am I getting at?

Well, it’s only the 13th day of the year 2024 and I have been seeing a lot of wins among my network. It’s encouraging. It’s motivating. It’s great to know that people in my network are starting the year on a strong, optimistic note.

I have a fellow Filipino friend here in Vietnam who just recently launched her brand, Salty.vn. (Follow them on Facebook and Instagram!!) It’s a range of cute tote bags and caps, do check it out!

I have a few friends who will be starting post graduate studies and it’s quite exciting, especially some of them are flying off to different countries! Hats off to them, and I do hope that I am able to embark on such academic journey soon.

Not quite new, but a friend launched their platform for independently sourced, archival and contemporary womenswear. You can check out said platform through this link.

A friend who will be venturing into something entrepreneurial with their sibling. I find that absolutely adorable—because I honestly do not think I could ever do such with my brothers. Ha ha.

A few people in my network started the year with a promotion, a new role, or a new company. It’s all exciting because it’s great to see people growing in their career. Yes, this is coming from someone who has unapologetically MaDe HiS CarEeR HiS PerSonALity.

And, a handful of people, who are starting the year with their win of just knowing what serves for them and are making steps towards their plans how to pivot, or how to progress further in life. And that is a win in my books. Discerning people are always fascinating for me because they are wise enough to know when to take a pause, take a step back, and deeply reflect on their lives. I like those people.

But, really, the list is endless of people who are thriving, and I am very fortunate to witness these wins. There’s nothing I enjoy more than to be a cheerleader in the lives of other people, because it’s nice to see people succeed, especially among friends I know who deserve these wins.

Now, how does that relate to how I opened this entry. Well, it doesn’t. I just wasted your time. Just kidding.

Well, following said trend, and as a follow up from my entry on the first day of 2024, I am even more hopeful and optimistic for this year. Seeing everyone winning around me only affirms that I will be in a similar position soon. Also, if there are these much things to celebrate and we’re not even halfway through the first month of 2024, what are the other great things to look forward to?

I am quite certain that I’ll rediscover how to find my way home within myself. I’ve been taking several steps already. I’m proud of myself that I have been quite committed towards my 2024 goal and conviction.

So, I don’t know about you, but I hope that your year so far is holding great promise, too.