Have you ever heard the phrase that you are the sum of the 5 people you spend the most time with? It’s a great concept to put into practice, especially when you are thinking about approval of others, pleasing everyone, and feeling like you need to be everything to everyone.

These are all things I’ve been completely victim to in the past. While I come across confident most of the time, I am also recovering people pleaser. In certain situations I've been around toxic people, fallen into drama or gossip circles, and every time I find myself leaving with a knot in my stomach and feeling worse than I did before.

We all go through phases with friends. What I am learning over the years is that my gut instinct is usually right, and the better I know myself, the better I know the type of people I want to attract into my life. Sharp, determined, motivated, passionate people who want to live every day to the fullest. People who smile at strangers, give hugs, are willing to let down their guard and be vulnerable. People who are unapologetic for who they are. People who love you unconditionally even though you're a little weird. (Guess what? We're all weird.)

This isn't to say you should only have 5 friends. But, if you were to imagine a big conference room table with yourself at the head, and 5 people sitting around the table that you call your Board of Directors, who would be at your table? The lives those people lead-- they are indicative of the type of life you will lead. Their success is indicative of your success. Their level of happiness and focus on life will likely be your level of happiness and focus on life.

Last night I had the privilege of attending my 10-year college reunion. I was exhausted and running on 3.5 hours of sleep from the night before (toddler and baby awakenings) but what I found was this: the people I surrounded myself during my college years - what I consider some of the most formative years in your adult life - are nothing short of incredible. Even though many of them live in other states now, or we don't see each other as much, the people who I have surrounded myself with continue to provide a light on the path I'm taking. It was so fun to share stories and talk about our 20s and where we are now, and cheer each other on.

Now I'm off to bed, but talk about squeezing the juice out of every single moment this weekend! Between the 10-year reunion and a highly intense training filled with life lessons, I'm running on very little sleep but my heart and mind are full. And probably one of the first and foremost lessons I'll be focused on (and I hope you will too): choose your peeps. Choose them wisely. They are there for you not creating, but helping to create your journey, supporting (or hindering) you every step of the way. Choose them wisely!