How Interacting with Others Can Change You

A story, quote and lesson about a person with two sets of DNA

You are who you surround yourself with.

If someone told you that your DNA could change after you were born, you’d probably think it was science fiction. But for some patients who receive bone marrow transplants, this becomes a reality.

In 2019, a man named Chris Long discovered that, after his bone marrow transplant, the DNA in his blood had been completely replaced by that of his donor. His very identity, on a genetic level, had shifted.

This phenomenon, known as chimerism, is more than just a medical curiosity—it’s a metaphor for life itself. Just as a bone marrow transplant can rewrite a patient’s genetic identity at a cellular level, the people we surround ourselves with shape us in ways we often don’t realize.

Illustration showing the DNA shift that occurs in the recipient’s blood and immune cells. Credit: Gift of Life Marrow Registry.

Chris Long’s story is a striking reminder that our biological identity isn’t as fixed as we assume. And if something as fundamental as DNA can change through outside influence, what does that say about our personalities, habits, and beliefs?

“You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.”

- Jim Rohn, American entrepreneur, author, and motivational speaker.

We like to think of ourselves as independent, but in reality, we are shaped—often unconsciously—by those around us. The way we talk, the ideas we believe in, the ambitions we chase, and even our daily habits are influenced by our environment.

Surround yourself with motivated, thoughtful, and kind people, and you’ll naturally absorb those traits. But if you’re constantly around negativity and complacency, you risk becoming a reflection of that as well.

Much like a bone marrow transplant, which has the power to transform a life, the people we welcome into our inner circles can challenge us and help us grow. And while we don’t choose the DNA we inherit, we do have control over our relationships—we can seek out mentors, build friendships that push us forward, and create environments that bring out our best.

So now I ask you:

Who in your life is helping you grow, and who might be unknowingly holding you back?

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