The Crowd You Keep
I never truly understood the meaning behind Nas’s lyrics, “Watch the company you keep, and the crowd you bring,” until a recent trip to Bali opened my eyes in a way I hadn't expected.
We’re often told to surround ourselves with successful people—those who will raise our standards, push us to be better in business or work. But what isn’t talked about as much is the other ways the people around us influence us—for better or for worse. Typically, when we talk about influence, it’s in the context of negative behaviour, like partying or bad habits. But today, I want to focus on the beautiful side of influence—an influence I recently experienced firsthand, thanks to my amazing wife.
Dr. Nadia Rajab, my wife, has a way of seeing the world that should be bottled up and shared with everyone. Her perspective is filled with wonder and joy, like she’s looking at life through rose-tinted glasses. The way her eyes light up, her cheeks glow, and her smile beams can fill any room with pure happiness. Being around her makes you feel lighter, more joyful, and completely in the moment. So how does this affect me?
I’ve been to Bali about 13 times over the years. It was my first international destination, and I’ve explored parts of the island, though there’s still plenty more for me to see. I would say I’m pretty familiar with Bali by now. But this most recent trip, the one I’m on right now, feels different—like I’m seeing Bali for the first time again. And it’s all because of my wife’s influence.
Although she isn’t with me on this trip, her presence is felt in everything I see. A day trip to Ubud really drove this point home. I’ve visited Ubud many times—seen the monkeys, walked through the rice fields, toured the coffee plantations. But this time, it was as if my eyes were taking in more colour, more beauty than ever before. My smile was wider, my senses more alive. It felt like I was experiencing everything through her eyes, excited to share it all with her when we come back together in the future.
The day began with a Barong and Keris dance performance, followed by visits to the monkey forest and a coffee plantation. It wasn’t that these experiences were new, but they felt new. The costumes during the dance seemed more vibrant, the coffee tasted richer—even the sight of monkeys grooming each other brought a smile to my face. All I could think about was how my wife would react, how her eyes would sparkle with wonder. Her love for beauty and life was influencing how I was experiencing everything. It was liberating. My perspective had shifted, and suddenly, the world seemed brighter and more alive.
Influence works in countless ways. It can push you to do something you might not want to, like drink or make unhealthy choices. But it can also inspire you to be better, healthier, more present. It’s not just about who you’re around—it’s about how they shape your perception of the world. I’ve always thought of myself as more of a leader than a follower, choosing my own path rather than going along with what others were doing. Growing up, I resisted the temptation to partake in activities my friends were involved in, deciding that just because they did it didn’t mean I should. But this time, I was thrilled to be influenced by someone as wonderful as my wife. Seeing the world through her eyes—seeing colours in a way I never had before—was an unreal experience.
So next time you meet someone new, join a group, or form new relationships, ask yourself: “Is this someone I want to be influenced by?” The impact that others have on us can be subtle, or it can be intense, but it’s always there. The people we surround ourselves with shape not just our actions, but how we see the world. So, how do you want to see the world?
Take the time to reflect on the company you keep. Surround yourself with people who lift you up, who help you see the world with more clarity, joy, and colour. Because when we choose our company wisely, the world becomes a far more beautiful place.
