When elected officials act as troubled teens! | riversled's Blog

If you haven’t been able to tell from my blog by now, I work in a profession that deals with struggling teenagers and the problems that families are faced with surrounding drug use, sexual behavioral problems and mental illness.

I’m seeing signs (and have been for years) that our society in general is struggling. What I’m sensing goes beyond “Republican and Democrat” or “Conservative and Liberal”. It goes to the heart of “Identity”. Who are we? Who are we as a Nation? Who are we as a community? Who are we as individuals?  

As I work with teens who find themselves involved in dishonest behavior, unhealthy relationships and “entitled” attitudes there is one common thread that runs through every situation. Throughout their childhood and adolescent development, for any number of reasons, these kids have moved away from life’s tasks that contribute to the development of an “Identity” and they have slipped into the world of developing an “Image”.

It is important to understand that “Image” and “Identity” are two very different things.   As each of us moves into adulthood, it is through the accomplishment of life’s (school, work, relationships, family interactions and communication) tasks, that we gain competencies (determination, courage, honesty, integrity, insight, loyalty and knowledge) as well as skill sets in life. This is where an “Identity” is developed.  

“Image” has its foundation based in perception, not competency. Image is more about how one appears than who they are.   So, as I look at myself, my community and my nation, I wonder, which side of the fence are we choosing to be on. Are we losing our “Identity” as a Nation? Did we ever have one? Are our elected officials demonstrating a healthy sense of Identity as witnessed by the internalized competencies listed above, or are they simply concerned about perception?  

As I work to develop a healthy sense of identity, I become less concerned about image in myself as well as others.  

What are your thoughts?