The Next Step - Peeps Checklist

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I have a one-word adjective that best describes me, and I allow this part of me to come through in my everyday encounters with others.

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I know what I can change now; what I cannot change yet; and I'm developing the wisdom to the difference between the two.

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I have friends - and am making new ones - who share similar values and are working together for a common purpose.

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I know my core values and understand how people see me. I'm changing the qualities I'm not happy with by going for a quality I admire.

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I look for friends who are encouraging and who explain things to me in a way that builds character and makes me stronger. I look for people who challenge me to aim high. I look for natural leaders. I'm developing these friendship "shields" for extra support in my life, and I in theirs.

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As I'm making new friends, if I'm not feeling the same good vibe as I do with my favorite song, I take it as an indication to move on. But first I do a gut check to make sure I'm open to a new friend. When I'm ready, I give the friendship up to 12 months to develop, trusting the process over time.

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There are people in my inner circle who are older and wiser. The friendship is natural and informal but offers insight I wouldn't have otherwise.

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When I need help, I ask for it.

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I know the difference between a friend who builds me up and one who drags me down. I keep the friends who breathe life into me. I distance myself from the ones who hold me back or make me work too hard for their friendship.

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I've learned to leave behind people who can't or won't go with me in my journey or who would prevent me from going at all. I lean on older, wiser folks to keep me strong.

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I understand the difference between healthy and unhealthy dating relationships and avoid the unhealthy ones. If I find myself in an unsupportive relationship, I get out as quickly as possible. I rely on my Next Step community for support.

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I accept the value of time in discovering more about myself and in making new friends. I understand I may need to spend some time on my own to gain valuable insight. That's a good thing.

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I no longer feel the need to "rescue" or "protect" someone from themselves. I don't allow anyone to treat me poorly, and I don't live their lives for them.

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I make the effort to spend an hour a day alone to connect to yourself, my dreams and my strengths. I think about my best day ever and how happy I am when "real me" comes out.

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I've learned how to "take a vacation" from friends or family who aren't supportive. I take an hour a day to spend with myself to better understand and appreciate "real me".

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My special treat is to hang with a friend who makes me laugh until my face hurts.

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I allow people into my life who demonstrate they have my best interests at heart and who bring out the best in me. I've made it a habit to treat these people well, going a level up in trust.

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I was made to be me, not someone else, not a better version of myself. I am perfect as I am. No more hiding. No more attitude. No more worry or cares about what others think of me. Perfectly perfect as me!

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I understand that I have something to offer people, too. When stumped about what, I think about my 5 senses. Sometimes it's simply my voice that can offer encouragement or support when someone needs it.

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I'm after friends who make me feel the same as I do when I hear my favorite song - alive, happy and free to be me.

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I understand that real friends are part of a give-and-take adventure. We are in this together, each playing a supportive role in the other’s life. I agree that THAT is the basis of a healthy friendship. I agree to pursue friends that form a Testudo, like the Roman soldiers with their overlapping shields.