Earlier today a young guy overtook me on the pavement. He had a shaved head and tracksuit and would have looked quite menacing – except that he had a huge grin. He passed me and smiled at Esther.

Later on up the road he saw a friend and immediately I noticed a change in his demeanour. His gait changed. His volume changed. He swaggered and looked threatening.

I guess that his friend was someone who brought the worst out in him.
The two of them laughed and play fought up the road. I crossed over.

We need to be careful who we walk beside in life. Some people will encourage us – but encourage us to become less than we are. Others will challenge us but make us soar.

Who are you walking closely with. Do they change the way you walk? For the better?