"L'âme choisit sa propre société puis ferme la porte"

The soul's society is something deeply personal. It's about choosing who or what to let into your inner world and then firmly closing off everything else. Imagine it like your very own private club—exclusive, selective, and protected. Once you decide who gets in, the door is shut tight, no interruptions allowed.

This idea has roots in the poems of Emily Dickinson. She lived much of her life in seclusion, carefully choosing her companions and her interactions. This selective approach wasn't out of rudeness but a way to guard her peace and creativity. In her time, when societal expectations were rigid, her stance was almost revolutionary.

Now, let's look at a vivid example. Think of Steve Jobs. He was known for his intense focus—his "reality distortion field." When Apple was in the process of creating the first iPhone, he was notoriously selective about his team. Only the best minds were chosen. Once the team was set, they were isolated from the rest of the company. No distractions. Just pure, concentrated effort on a groundbreaking project. The result? A device that revolutionized the tech world.

So, how can you apply this in your life? Start by identifying what's genuinely important to you. Who are the people that uplift you? What activities bring you joy or fulfillment? Once you've figured that out, be intentional about your choices. Say no to the noise—unnecessary meetings, toxic relationships, or even endless social media scrolling. Create your own 'inner circle' and give it your all.

Here's a little scenario to bring it home. Imagine you're an aspiring writer. You have a full-time job, family commitments, and a bunch of friends who love to go out every weekend. Your soul craves time to write, but it feels impossible with all these demands. So, you take a page from Dickinson's book. You select your 'society'—a couple of hours each morning dedicated to writing, a supportive writing group, and maybe a mentor. You shut the door on distractions during this sacred time. No phone, no email, just you and your words. It’s tough at first—friends might not get it and you might feel guilty—but soon, you start to see progress. Your story develops, your style improves, and most importantly, you're happier.

This wisdom isn't about isolation; it's about intentionality. It’s okay to shut the door sometimes. It’s okay to be choosy about what and who you let into your inner world. It’s your peace, your creativity, your life. So, go ahead—select your society and shut that door.

It's like having a cozy coffee chat with a close friend, isn't it? We all need those moments where we can just be, without the world's constant demands. So, think about your own life. What do you need to shut the door on to protect your peace? Who do you need to let in to nurture your soul? Make those choices, and don’t be afraid to close that door.