I think it's important to get your surroundings as well as

There are truths about life so simple yet so profound that they echo across the ages, and among them is the wisdom of Heidi Klum, who once said: “I think it's important to get your surroundings as well as yourself into a positive state—meaning surround yourself with positive people, not the kind who are negative and jealous of everything you do.” In these words lies a teaching that resonates not only with the pursuit of success, but with the cultivation of the soul. Klum reminds us that human flourishing is not achieved in isolation; it is nurtured by the company we keep, by the energy we absorb, and by the hearts that encircle us. Just as a garden cannot thrive in poisoned soil, so too the spirit cannot rise amidst envy and negativity.

To understand her meaning, one must grasp the power of surroundings on the human spirit. People are not islands; our minds and emotions are constantly influenced by the company we keep. Those who radiate joy, curiosity, and encouragement lift others toward growth, while those consumed by jealousy, bitterness, or complaint drag others into darkness. Klum’s words teach that positivity is contagious, and that the wise cultivate an environment that nurtures courage, creativity, and peace. To walk among those who rejoice in your triumphs rather than begrudge them is to honor both yourself and your potential.

The origin of this insight lies in Klum’s life as a model, entrepreneur, and public figure. She navigated the world of fashion and entertainment—a realm filled with competition, scrutiny, and envy. In such arenas, the choice of companions and collaborators is as vital as talent itself. Klum observed that success is often less about skill alone and more about the emotional climate in which one operates. To thrive, she understood, one must cultivate both inner positivity and external harmony. The message is timeless: nurture the soul, choose your allies, and let no toxic presence hinder your ascent.

History provides vivid examples of the truth behind Klum’s words. Consider Marcus Aurelius, the philosopher-emperor of Rome. Though surrounded by wealth, power, and endless intrigue, he deliberately chose advisors and companions who would uplift reason and virtue rather than fuel envy and greed. He recognized that even the strongest mind is influenced by the atmosphere around it. In his Meditations, Aurelius reminds us to seek the company of those whose presence strengthens character, for negativity corrodes the soul as surely as acid consumes stone. Those who surround themselves with wisdom thrive, while those who linger among envy suffer daily diminishment.

Even in more recent history, the pattern repeats. Think of Helen Keller, who, despite her disabilities, sought out teachers, friends, and mentors who inspired and uplifted her. The positive influence of Anne Sullivan and other encouraging figures allowed Keller to rise above limitations and achieve brilliance. She thrived not in spite of her surroundings, but because she consciously immersed herself in nurturing, supportive environments. Through them, she cultivated courage, insight, and purpose—an embodiment of Klum’s principle that one’s circle shapes one’s destiny.

The wisdom of this quote also carries a moral lesson: negativity and jealousy are not mere irritations; they are threats to growth and fulfillment. To remain in the presence of such energies is to allow your own spirit to be bound, constrained, and diminished. The wise, therefore, exercise discernment not only in work and learning, but in relationships. Seek companions who inspire, elevate, and encourage; distance yourself from those who seek to envy, undermine, or diminish your light. In doing so, you cultivate resilience, creativity, and joy.

The practical teaching is both simple and powerful: evaluate the energy of your environment. Observe who lifts you and who drains you. Engage with those who celebrate your successes, and limit time with those who dwell in envy or complaint. Align your inner positivity with outer surroundings, for the combination is transformative. Just as a healer must treat both body and environment, so must a soul attend to both mind and company. To thrive, surround yourself with sunlight, not shadow.

Thus, let Heidi Klum’s words resonate through the ages: “Surround yourself with positive people, not the kind who are negative and jealous of everything you do.” Choose companions who nourish your spirit, cultivate environments that foster growth, and protect your inner light from corrosive envy. In this conscious curation of relationships and atmosphere, one discovers the true foundation of joy, creativity, and success. For life flourishes not in isolation, but in harmony with hearts that uplift, inspire, and sustain.