Who Is in Your Front Row?

Unique Perspectives: Who Is in Your Front Row?

By Kim Stevens

Life is like a theater, and where the audience sits to watch the show is completely up to you. You might choose to seat some people far in the back – still there to see the action but nowhere near the edge of the stage – and some people might be seated as close to you as they can get, right there in your front row.

The important thing to remember is that not everyone can sit in your front row. You can still love, support and appreciate those in the back of the theater, but this is your show and you assign the seating.

There’s a saying that goes something like “you are the average of the five people you spend the most time with,” and it’s the same concept as determining your front row.

For me, the people I’m hanging out with and the people I choose to place front and center in my life are the people who make me feel like I’m the best version of myself when I’m around them. Almost by default, I used to have people in my life who were draining my energy and zapping my self-confidence. I didn’t even realize I had the choice to say, “No, you can’t sit here.” Instead, I was giving them a front row seat when I should’ve loved and supported them from a distance.

Now, I always stack my front row with an energizing crowd who lift me up, allowing me to reach my highest potential. My front row people are on the same path of personal growth as I am, or thriving in ways I’d like to be. It’s an aspirational, inspirational, motivational front row that enriches my life with every proverbial clap and standing ovation they give.

It’s incredible to see the things I can get done when I’m really discerning about my front row. I have less negativity surrounding me. I nurture relationships that add profound meaning to my existence. I learn new things. I feed my curiosity. I grow in ways I couldn’t do without these extraordinary people sitting front and center in my life.