Tag Archives: community

The Peer – Growing Together

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I mentioned in the last post that the focus is shifting from building confidence to building community. The first area of focus is on peer connections.

I want to clarify what a peer is first. If you are like me, I thought a peer was synonymous with a friend, but boy, was I wrong. A peer is someone who is your equal in age, rank, or status (such as a classmate or coworker), while a friend is someone you know, like, and trust through a personal bond. While a friend can be a peer, many peers are strangers or colleagues rather than friends. I think it is important to clarify the distinction to avoid heartache and unrealistic expectations.

Now, let’s talk about why a peer/friend is important when building your community with intention. More importantly, I want to coach you on what qualities to look for when deciphering who is a peer/friend worth building a connection with:

Honesty: They speak truthfully and openly, even when the truth is hard to hear.

Loyalty: They stay committed and dependable, standing by you through good times and hard times.

Trustworthiness: They protect your confidence and act with your best interests at heart.

Dependability: They are reliable and consistent, showing up when they say they will.

Supportiveness: They encourage, assist, and comfort you through both successes and challenges.

No matter what you choose to call that person, the bottom line is being strategic about filling this role. I want to leave you with a quote that my mentor and coach says very often:

“You don’t go as far as your dream. You go as far as your team.” — Dr. Dharius Daniels

If you need help deciphering who is on your Life Board, don’t hesitate to reach out to Nekeshia c/o Meraki Counseling at 832-779-3039 or merakicounseling@outlook.com.

Also, if your desire is to design your Life Board but you wish to explore this topic more independently, check out my guided journal, Life Board: A Guided Journal to Reflect on the People Who Anchor, Affirm, and Align You.

Your Next Breakthrough Isn’t a Better Mindset—It’s Better People

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During this quarter, we are going to switch things up a little. Over the past year or so, the focus has been on imposter syndrome. Well, now we will venture into another area of focus that is just as consequential outside of believing in yourself—your community.

I have learned how valuable community is in living a successful life. As my mentor and coach says very often, “You cannot be your best self by yourself.” Not one lie told!

The reason that I have been able to write—not only this blog, but in different areas—and fulfill my dreams lately is because God has granted me favor in meeting people who, in some form or fashion, have helped support me.

There are certain roles that have been instrumental in helping me change the trajectory of my life. Those seven roles are:

Peer – Someone who grows alongside you, shares the journey, and sharpens you through mutual support.

Mentor – Someone who has gone before you and offers wisdom, guidance, and perspective for your next steps.

Cheerleader – Someone who believes in you, celebrates your wins, and reminds you of your strengths when you forget.

Accountability Partner – Someone who lovingly challenges you to honor your commitments and become your best self.

Values Twin – Someone whose character and core values align with yours, helping you stay true to your purpose.

Wellness Partner – Someone who encourages you to care for your mind, body, and spirit so you can thrive.

Leisure Companion – Someone who reminds you to laugh, rest, play, and enjoy the journey of life.

As you read, don’t be disheartened if there are gaps in your essential community members, or what I call your Life Board members. I found that I had a lot of gaps, but I am now reassured because I have a framework to be intentional about building my Life Board.

If you are interested in creating the kind of community that will help you finish these last two quarters of the year successfully, call Nekeshia Limuel, LPC at 832-779-3039 or email merakicounseling@outlook.com. I look forward to hearing from you.