As it is popularly said, "The company of people you keep determines what accompanies you." This is why it is necessary to walk and mingle with people with positive vibes, people who can help you get back on track if you are going astray, people who encourage you to be a better person, and people who are ready to help you climb the ladder of success.
Influence is a very important determinant of who one becomes in life; "A bad company corrupts good manners" are the words of my parents from childhood until I became an adult, and experiences of life have made me realize that walking with people who don't succeed makes you nothing less than who they are, and when you try to be ahead of them, you become their enemy.
In life, I've always tried to maintain good relationships with everyone I meet on my journey here on earth, and appreciate the support and encouragement of those that have impacted my life positively in one way or another. This is why I will be making good use of this prompt to say thank you to everyone who has contributed to my success in real life and here on the hive platform.
No one is truly self-made; many people played divine roles in your journey to the top, and it is right to appreciate them because of the efforts they put in to make sure they see you succeed. My first circle of influence consists of my parents; they placed my feet on a solid foundation right from childhood, which has helped define who I am today. They chastise me when need be, and they pamper me when necessary. They scold me when I'm wrong, and then I see it as suffering, but when I grew up, their teachings were a lamp unto my feet. Living with my parents as disciplinarians seems difficult, but they have made me realize the better version of myself.
Keeping friends should not be taken lightly; "Pick your friends like beans to see the good ones and the bad ones." My mom once told me this, and I've always held on to it, and it has been directing my path. Any friend you discuss your progress with who can't give you ideas to make you succeed isn't worth being called a friend. In life, I have met people I could call friends; these are the sets of people that are always for my well-being and my success. Even when I am at the point of giving up, they never give up on me.
My best friend today was someone I never thought I could have anything to do with because I judged her by her physical appearance, not knowing who she truly is. But my thoughts about her changed when I moved closer to her, and today she has influenced my life positively with no regret whatsoever. I met her in school, and after 2 years and counting, we are still good to go. She understands me and always supports me in any decision I make. Whenever she isn't around me, her absence is felt because we share a stronger bond not just as friends but as siblings.
Coming to the hive platform has been a wonderful experience here; it is being run like a family. I remember when I was a newbie, and almost everyone I met offered to help me find my path here on the hive. Starting from my onboarders 
They have never let me down in one way or another. Even when I felt bad for burdening them, they never shunned or ignored me for it; instead, they helped me out in solving any issues I had. They are the true definition of friends who want good things for you and want to see you succeed. They made navigating on Hive so easy for me; these are my circle of influence—people who helped me become a better person.
Thanks for your time and your comments will be appreciated.
