12 Comments
User's avatar
Susan Halaut's avatar

So so good. I have felt that pull very hard. It started right before Christmas. Christmas this year felt different.

When its finally Christmas Day, there is a tendency to feel like you've reached a destination. I felt so far from that this year. I had already begun feeling the pull into the new year but in a new way.

More than ever before, I don't want to waste a moment. Many of the things we say we "need" to do somehow fall by the wayside. By the end of the year this year I looked back and felt a little melancholy.

Don't get me wrong... so much happened this year that I'm so grateful for. But... what if... what if I was more intentional than ever for 2025 about what REALLY needs to get done, what would REALLY add value to my life, our life as a couple and to the lives of others in our circle? What will REALLY move the needle financially, physically, and spiritually for me/us? That's what I want to look back on next year.

It led me to my word of the year for 2025...STRATEGIC.

Thank you Tarek for being someone in my circle who speaks into my life.

Expand full comment
Tarek Taha's avatar

You are capable of so much my friend. Go for it!

Expand full comment
Tyler Wedel's avatar

I sang the song before I even got to the subheader...

But the blog - This might be my favorite one yet. Circle of influence, being uncomfortable, the lies we tell ourselves... Amazing! And a great Monday morning read.

Expand full comment
Tarek Taha's avatar

Appreciate you reading and commenting Tyler!

Expand full comment
Rob Potts's avatar

Well said Tarek. One of my favorite quotes is from Thomas Sowell -

When you want to help people, you tell them the truth. When you want to help yourself, you tell them what they want to hear.

Expand full comment
Tarek Taha's avatar

What does the second part of that quote mean to you Rob?

Expand full comment
Rob Potts's avatar

I think one of the best examples I’ve seen of not doing this, is when you see someone auditioning on American Idol who is horrible, but when informed of that by the judges, they’re in disbelief because their “friends” and family have only told them how great they are. They didn’t have the courage to tell them they aren’t any good.

It’s why celebrities, the rich and famous, so often go out of control. There’s no one there saying - you shouldn’t do xyz.

So to me the last part is loving my friends and family enough to tell them “no” to the point of risking the relationship if it has to come to that. And them being willing to do the same for me.

A major part of True love is caring enough about someone to stop them, or at least earn them, from actions and thinking that harm them.

Expand full comment
Tarek Taha's avatar

Feeling people the truth is hard, but it’s the only way to help them grow. Great share Rob.

Expand full comment
Rob Potts's avatar

*warn them. Not earn

Expand full comment
Linda Hoenigsberg's avatar

OK...now I know I'm much older than you (I already assumed this). When I saw the title of your post, I thought of Eric Carmen singing "All By Myself." LOL. https://youtu.be/EzoazPPC7b8?si=JoBLGeJdFZ_2asg5). I really thought about the type of people I'm surrounding myself with as I read this, Tarek. There are definitely cheerleaders, people who believe in me. Now if I will only believe what they are trying to tell me!

Expand full comment
Tarek Taha's avatar

I thought of Eric Carmen too! He wrote the song. His youtube video wasn't as dramatic as Celine's. Blessings my friend. Believe your cheerleaders. Why not? Dreaming of what is possible > being realistic. I know, I've tried it. Have a great week!

Expand full comment
Linda Hoenigsberg's avatar

You have a great week too! Listening to Eric's rendition is great in "parts," while Celine's is amazing all the way through. LOL

Expand full comment