The Three-Foot World

The Three-Foot World is a mantra I first learned from my father many years ago, and like most children, it took me a long time to apply the lessons my parents taught to my everyday life. 

The mantra is simple: “The three-foot world is that small group of people– family, friends, a combination of both that you choose to have in your circle.”. In a world that is constantly changing around us, having the security of people you can rely on takes center stage.

As I’ve grown older, the Three-Foot World has become a vital aspect of my life, even though I've put my own spin on it.

In my eyes, the Three-Foot World consists of three layers. The first, and most important layer is yourself.

Whether we want to admit it or not, we will reach a point in life where we only have ourselves. By accepting ourselves and the time we have alone, in a sense, we can prepare for the moment when we have no one to fall back on. It is a simple practice, yet for so many, it proves to be a strenuous task. 

We have to be accepting of change, not only in the world around us, but also in ourselves. As human beings we evolve every day, as do those we want around us, because the people we associate with mirror who we are. 

The second layer is the family you have that will support and love you no matter what. The definition of the word “family” is different for most people. In my opinion, your family is the most important thing you have, but who is to be considered your family is up to you. No one gets a free pass because of biological ties. 

You do not have to be blood to be family. That is the beauty of it. Family can be anything and anyone you want it to be. 

The final layer is the few close friends you have in your life. For so long, I thought that these people were a definitive list that you stayed close to for life. I realize now that the friends you have that you trust with everything can change and evolve as you grow and evolve. 

Sometimes friendships can burn out, drift apart, or end suddenly. It is a hardship in life that everyone must face at least once. A vital part of my sense of becoming an adult has been realizing and understanding that the same person I thought would be at my wedding may not even have contact with me a year from now. 

Having even just one person you can rely on, someone to fall back on, can be more fulfilling than befriending everyone in the world. 

The Three-Foot World is a concept that lives in my head and will for the rest of my life. I am forever grateful to everyone in my Three-Foot World. Without them, I would be lost in the confusion of navigating the world.

Strike Out,

Matty Wolfe

Boca Raton

Matty Wolfe is the Senior Editor for Strike Magazine Boca. This avid reality television consumer loves to escape the world as often as he can. You’ll find him outside often, working on his tan and playing mermaids in the ocean. He’s also a future Survivor contestant, even if the producers do not know it yet. You can reach him by email at mattheww0507@gmail.com