Cutting edge research shows things like happiness, physical shape, generosity, and intellect are deeply effected by the people around us. When we spend time with happy people, the science shows we are more likely to be happy. When we spend time with obese people, the science shows we are significantly more likely to gain weight. *

It sounds obvious but I believe something we fail to consider. How do the people in our lives make us feel, think, and consume? For instance, eat an amazing burger with a big glass of Zinfandel and the flavors will be greatly enhanced. But eat an amazing burger with a sweet dessert wine and both flavors will be nullified. Are the people in your life enhancing or nullifying your essence, personality, and vibration? Here are 3 things to consider in maintaining your optimal flavor and passion for life:

1. Takers
There are certain people in each of our lives who are takers. In my book I share a story of an exercise teacher who created a fusion workout called Yogaerobalatetate which is the combination of yoga, aerobics, karate, and pilates. I always felt worse after being in the presence of this teacher who would start class by placing a few drops of oil in your eyes which would create a burning sensation “perfect for inciting rage and the ensuing emotional release.” Doesn’t that sound like fun? “Takers” zap your energy, self-esteem, resources, and faith. I encourage you to take inventory of how much time you spend in the presence of takers. And take a step back. Takers’ unhappiness, laziness, and bad energy are like the flu, contagious. Not to say you can’t love and spend time with unhappy people, especially the ones you love.. They need you the most. But have boundaries and limits.

2. Givers
There are certain people in each of our lives who are givers. In India I waited in line for hours to get a hug from Amma, The Hugging Saint (see above photo). I was skeptical but when I finally was first in line, her disciples pushed me to my knees where she put my head in her chest and embraced me. It was one of the more powerful moments of my life. Not because it was spiritual, but because here was a person giving love just for the sake of giving love. That is so rare in today’s world. And it feels so good to be in the presence of such a person. We all know “givers” who fill us up with wisdom, delicious food, and nourishing energy. Whether it’s a grandma, college buddy, or random friend you met in yoga, givers are the chocolate chunks that make an otherwise vanilla moment so memorable.

3. Tricksters
In mythology, a trickster is one who bends the rules of conventional behavior. In high school, the trickster was probably your friend who made you ditch class to surf. Nowadays, the trickster is the friend who makes you laugh so hard you fart during a wedding ceremony. We need tricksters in our life because we need laughter. Laughter has countless health benefits, is an aphrodisiac, can turn a bad day into a great one, and most importantly, can restore your energy, passion, and clarity in one fell swoop. If a giver is the zinfandel with the burger, the trickster is the Tabasco, salt, and pepper.

So if you’re feeling a little bland, and lacking flavor, maybe it’s time to shuffle the deck. Hang out this weekend with that random person who makes you laugh. Invite over the longtime pal you haven’t seen since 2001. Dare I say…cancel the plans with the couple who brings you down and give a shout out to one who lifts you up. As Bob Marley said so perfectly, “God I gotta take a lift.”