Positive Inflows!

Ross Berry
Apr 18
10 min read

Positive Inputs for Happiness and Success...

‘Karen and Jay share thoughts on the importance of choosing wisely the information you consume and the people you spend time with.’

It’s a very subtle thing. But the truth is that we are all highly influenced by the information we take in, the media we consume and the people we interact with. These inflows come at us constantly. Often, these bits of inflow come in quietly—so small they barely register in our consciousness. But over time, they accumulate, quietly shaping our personality, values, and habits. And if we’re not paying attention, they can end up determining our destiny.

This phenomenon is so profound that it has spawned a truism. Perhaps you’ve heard it. It says, “you become the average of the five people you spend the most time with." And if this is true of the people you associate with, think about the media you consume. And the books you choose to read, the television shows you watch. All of this will impact you. The question is – are these inflows that are positive – that can help improve your happiness; help you achieve success? Or are these negative influences that tend to drag you down.

It's up to you. You have the ability to choose.

The choices we make regarding our inflows can lead to vastly different outcomes in our lives. For instance, consider the impact of surrounding oneself with positive, growth-oriented individuals. Those who consistently engage with mentors, optimistic friends, or inspiring communities often find themselves more energized and motivated to pursue their goals. This positive inflow cultivates a mindset where challenges are viewed as opportunities for development rather than insurmountable obstacles. As a result, individuals who foster these relationships are likely to experience increased confidence and a greater likelihood of achieving their ambitions, steering their destiny toward success and fulfillment.

Conversely, the choice to stay in negative environments—be it toxic friendships, pessimistic family dynamics, or discouraging workplaces—can lead to discouragement and stagnation. When you regularly interact with people who focus on limitations and failures, it can wear down resilience and create a self-fulfilling prophecy of underachievement.

Additionally, the media we consume can significantly influence our mindset and behavior. For example, actively choosing to engage with educational content—whether through documentaries, podcasts, or books—can expand our worldview, enhance problem-solving skills, and foster empathy toward others.

In essence, the inflows we allow into our lives act as a guiding force that can elevate or diminish our potential. Choosing wisely is not just a personal endeavor; it is an ongoing process that requires reflection and intention.

The Healing Power of Pets: How Animals Bring Positive Energy into Our Lives

In a world full of constant motion and pressure, the need for grounding, joy, and connection has never been more essential. One of the most natural and heartwarming sources of positive energy in human lives comes not from things or accomplishments, but from relationships—especially with animals. Pets, and dogs in particular, have an extraordinary ability to uplift, heal, and energize us in ways that go far beyond companionship. In my life, my best friend for many years was my wonderful, loyal and loving friend, Sparky!

Like that warm greeting we receive when coming back into the home, dogs provide emotional support that is immediate and unconditional. Their ability to read human emotions is deeply instinctual. Studies show that dogs can sense when we are sad, stressed, or anxious, often responding with a comforting presence or affectionate behavior. This intuitive connection helps reduce levels of cortisol (the stress hormone) while increasing oxytocin, the hormone associated with bonding and happiness.

Beyond emotional comfort, dogs also bring structure and movement into our lives. Walking a dog each day is not only beneficial for physical health, but also for mental clarity. This daily rhythm can be especially helpful for individuals struggling with depression or anxiety, giving them a sense of purpose and a reason to get outside, breathe fresh air, and engage with the world.

Pets also reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation. For many people, especially the elderly or those living alone, a dog can be a loyal friend and constant companion. Their presence fills a room with life, their antics bring laughter, and their loyalty creates a sense of being seen and loved. Dogs don’t judge, hold grudges, or demand perfection—they simply love, and that love is healing.

Children benefit tremendously from growing up with pets, learning responsibility, empathy, and communication through their interactions. For children with special needs, therapy dogs have been known to help with social interaction, emotional regulation, and even learning challenges. In hospitals, schools, and elder care facilities, therapy animals bring moments of joy and peace, proving that their power isn’t just anecdotal—it’s measurable.

Even the act of petting a dog can have powerful physiological effects: lowering blood pressure, slowing the heart rate, and releasing serotonin and dopamine—the brain’s feel-good chemicals. It’s no surprise that pet owners often report higher levels of happiness and well-being compared to non-pet owners.

The bond between humans and dogs transcends language, age, and even circumstance. It is a relationship built on presence, trust, and mutual care. In times of difficulty or triumph, dogs are there—not just as pets, but as partners in life’s journey, offering pure, restorative energy that can’t be replicated by any other source.

In a world often hungry for light and positivity, animals—and dogs most of all—shine as silent, tail-wagging reminders that love, joy, and healing can come on four legs and with a heart full of devotion.

Fitness for the Soul – Positive Inflows from Physical Exercise

Physical activity is far more than just a means to stay in shape—it's a powerful conduit for strengthening the mind, body, and soul. I know this on a deep personal level as a runner – and truly appreciate the positive vibes that happen when going out on a run. When we move our bodies, we energize our minds, lift our spirits, and build resilience that extends far beyond the gym or the running path. Science backs this up: according to the Mayo Clinic, regular exercise helps combat depression and anxiety by releasing feel-good endorphins and promoting neural growth. Just 30 minutes of moderate physical activity a day can reduce stress, improve sleep, and enhance focus. It’s no wonder that movement is often called medicine for both body and mind.

Exercise also fosters connection—not just with ourselves, but with others. Whether it’s a group fitness class, a local 5K, or cheering on a loved one at a marathon, physical activity unites communities and strengthens bonds. The soul thrives on these shared moments of perseverance and joy.

Countless high achievers across various fields turn to physical activity as their personal anchor. As a runner, I find clarity and motivation with every step I take. I feel like running not only sharpens my mind but also fills my heart with gratitude and hope. It may sound corny to say this – but for me, running is not just a routine—it’s a celebration of life.

In fact, that joy is multiplied many times over when I get the opportunity to run with my son Lincoln, now a proud veteran having just left the Navy after nine years. We get to train and compete in marathons together and simply do our personal best. And, of course, no surprise, although he’s much faster than me, it’s simply about enjoying the experience together and the feeling of satisfaction when you know you’re giving it your all.

From veterans to visionaries, from everyday joggers to elite athletes, the message is clear: physical activity is a source of healing, empowerment, and light. It nurtures the whole person—mind, body, and soul—and reminds us that with every movement forward, we become stronger, healthier, and more connected to the best version of ourselves.

Relationships – The Importance of Making Conscious Choices as You Evolve

Contributed by Alex Barouxis-Kroll, of the American Sunshine Movement

As mentioned above, there’s a saying that we’re the average of the five people we spend the most time with. I never really thought much about that concept until I left my hometown of Westfield, Massachusetts, and headed off to college. Growing up, I had a tight-knit group of friends. We all knew each other very well, and while there was comfort in that, there wasn’t always variety or evolution in the way we thought. It was a bubble of familiarity: the same people, the same places, the same patterns and rhythms. There’s nothing wrong with that, but after high school, I found myself at the University of New Hampshire, enrolled at the Peter T. Paul College of Business and Economics, and things started to shift in ways I never would have expected.

Suddenly, I was surrounded by entirely new faces, new ideas, and a different energy that I hadn’t yet experienced. I made friends in all kinds of ways—some from living in the same dorm, others from just showing up to play basketball on the outdoor courts during the early COVID years, when it felt like the only normal thing we could do. I met people through my classes, through clubs, and through pure chance at events and parties. Every new person brought something different into my life—new perspectives, different values, and unique ways of seeing the world. Over time, I started to notice that I was changing and evolving too.

The impact of the people around me began to compound, especially during my junior year. I started to feel the difference between who I had been and who I was becoming. It wasn’t that I had outgrown my past; it was that I had stepped into a bigger world—one that gave me room to grow into more of myself. My professors and mentors played a big role in that as well. Diane Devine in the Marketing Department taught me to think creatively and strategically, while Scott Berube in Accounting consistently reminded me of the power of discipline and precision. Lisa Keslar, who taught Entrepreneurial Studies, pushed me to think like an innovator—someone who creates value and brings ideas to life. There were also peers, like our very own Jack Potvin, a student leader who inspired me to raise my standards and to think “onward and upward.”

Through experience more than anything, I came to understand that what we let into our lives matters. The media we consume, the people we spend time with, the communities we become a part of—they shape us in subtle and powerful ways. Choosing to be around positive and driven people helps you become a better version of yourself.

That lesson has stuck with me, and I see how it applies to so many aspects of our lives—starting a new job, moving to a new city, or even just deciding who to spend your free time with. Our inputs are always shaping our outcomes, and when you’re intentional about choosing positive inflows—uplifting relationships, supportive mentors, inspiring environments—you give yourself the best chance to grow into the person you want to be.

Going off to college didn’t just change where I lived or what I studied. It changed who I was, because it changed who I was surrounded by—and that made all the difference.

Small Wins, Big Change: Designing Your Days for Destiny

What if the biggest difference between someone who's thriving and someone who's just surviving isn’t motivation, talent, or even luck—but their habits?

In his bestselling book Atomic Habits, James Clear reminds us of something both profound and practical: “You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems.”

In other words, success isn’t a single heroic act—it’s the result of quiet, consistent inputs. And when those inputs are intentionally positive, our outcomes begin to reflect that.

The Power of Positive Inputs:

Whether we realize it or not, we are shaped daily by the inflows we allow—what we read, who we listen to, how we spend our time. Habits are the compounding interest of self-improvement. One encouraging book, one morning walk, one moment of discipline—it all adds up. And the opposite, sadly, does too.

The good news? We can design for this, and it’s totally in our control!

Environment Is Destiny:

One of the most underrated ideas in Atomic Habits is how much our surroundings affect our behavior. If your phone is on your nightstand, you’ll reach for it. If a book is on your pillow, you’ll read it. If healthy food is prepped and ready, you’ll eat better without trying.

When we take time to set up systems—like a designated reading hour, a journaling nook, or even a whiteboard of weekly wins—we create a natural path of least resistance toward the kind of person we want to become.

Let Progress Roll Downhill:

The best habits don’t feel like chores—they feel like momentum. They reduce decision fatigue, lower stress, and increase clarity. And over time, they shape our identity.

Want to be the kind of person who writes? Write one sentence every day.

Want to get fit? Put your sneakers by the door.

Want to live a life of optimism and purpose? Surround yourself with ideas and people that reflect that back to you.

In the end, winning habits at their best aren’t about discipline—they’re about design. And with a few simple shifts, we can all create a system that makes positive outcomes not only possible—but inevitable.

Positive Profile of the Week: The Power of Mentors!

This week we are delighted to highlight some very important people – the mentors in our lives who tend to shape our destinies in ways that are marvelous and profound.

There’s a quiet hero found in nearly every success story. Not always in the spotlight, but ever-present in the background—guiding, encouraging, and challenging—this is the mentor.

Mentors aren’t superheroes. They’re parents, coaches, teachers, neighbors, business owners, or retired pros who’ve been around the block and are willing to share the map. Sometimes their impact comes from one life-changing conversation. Other times, it's a years-long relationship built over coffee chats, lunch breaks, or thoughtful phone calls. But the result is the same: mentors change lives.

In a world overflowing with noise, where the inflow of information can overwhelm more than it empowers, mentors offer clarity. They help us filter what matters. A timely question, a shared story of failure, or a moment of encouragement can reroute a life.

We all benefit from positive inputs—books, experiences, and learning—but perhaps no input is as profoundly human as wisdom passed down through real relationships. That’s the magic of mentorship. It’s not just what they know—it’s how they see us. Mentors believe in our potential even when we don’t yet believe in ourselves.

They help us zoom out when we’re stuck in the weeds. They remind us that the tough season we’re in is just that—a season. And they show, by example, what it looks like to build, to lead, to overcome.

Across small towns and big cities alike, mentors are shaping the next generation of builders, thinkers, and doers. They don’t ask for recognition—but this week, we’re giving it.

So here’s to the people who take the time to show up for others. Who return the calls. Who offer the hard truth and the warm encouragement. Who open doors—sometimes literally—and say, “You’ve got this. I’m here if you need me.”

If you have a mentor—or many—thank them. If you are one, keep going. And if you’ve never had one—perhaps it’s time to look around. Because often, the right word from the right person at the right time can make all the difference.

Let’s continue to invest in positive inflows—and in each other!