VIP Mag

"Green Light Stop"

If suddenly green light meant stop and red light meant go you would see a ton of people extremely confused driving around. Unfortunately, we often send a missed signal just like this when we try and be something or someone we are not. This normally starts with hanging out with people that do not reflect who we are for the sake of being labeled “cool.” But, are the people you are spending time with and calling your friends a true reflection of the real you? Or, are you about to realize the real you has been hiding behind a mask?

Identity is about more than just doing “you” as many people would say. Identity is also about who you are with. Whether you realize it or not, or whether you are willing to admit it or not, people will make an assessment of who you are based on who you are around. We all have those friends that we do not want to let go of because we grew up with them, even though they always get us in trouble. Or, we have those friends that are headed in a completely different direction in life than we are. It is important that as young adults you start to make adult decisions and make sure the people you are around also reflect who you want people to see you as.

If you haven’t noticed by now, I am all about lists! So, I want you to make a list of five people who are in your life that you believe represent who you are or the person you would like to become one day, and a list of five people in your life that are headed in a different direction than you. After you have made these lists, take some time to evaluate who you may need to separate yourself from or spend more time with. Remember this list is to help you grow so keep it real!

5 People that represent what I want to represent:

1. _____________________________________

2. _____________________________________

3. _____________________________________

4. _____________________________________

5. _____________________________________

5 People headed in a different direction than me:

1. _____________________________________

2. _____________________________________

3. _____________________________________

4. _____________________________________

5. _____________________________________