Throughout each year, I revisit my priorities to ensure that the boxes I’m checking are still relevant to my life goals.

Early in 2026, I focused on my business goals and family relationships and was enriched by the insights I gleaned. Recently, I turned my attention to social friendships. 

I was trying to understand why a few relationships suddenly seemed (to me) lopsided, and I realized the common thread was mis-aligned expectations. For example, one friend would reach out and say, “We need to get together!” and then not commit to a date. Another forgot about commitments several times, leaving me hanging. I was hurt and didn’t understand why what was important to me wasn’t equally important to them.

Then, a metaphor came to me that has served me well ever since. By framing our lives as theater productions, I saw these people on the stage with me in the story of my life—they were central characters. But in their life story, I wasn’t on the stage. In fact, I didn’t even rate a front-row seat. I was in the back of the theater handing out programs—somewhat useful, but not at all central to the play. 

And in realizing this, I had an “ah ha!” No more hurt feelings, no more misaligned expectations. I could choose to keep handing out programs, ask for a front-row seat or a part on the stage, or I could simply exit the theater. The choice was up to me.

Are you misplacing your energy with relationships that don’t map to what you want for your life story?

Some people deserve leading roles, others supporting ones. Some may just be cameo parts. Heck, some people don’t even belong in the theater anymore. 

The right relationships are reciprocal, a beautiful “give and take” that brings so much good energy to our lives. Choose wisely when assigning roles in your life story.