This is a year of deep gratitude for my friendships. I cannot express how much love and strength my friends have provided me. So many wonderful friends, families, and especially girlfriends have been there for me over the years providing faith, hope, and love.
A little part of me is missing the forced connection—the opportunities to catch a minute on the bleachers, and the reason to coordinate a school or neighborhood event. When I watch the new families on our street and their little ones, I can’t help but reminisce about the connections I made at the playground, with the athletic teams, and all the moms at preschool through high school. Naturally, I also think of the friendships decades deep that can recall the shenanigans, the road trips, the late nights, the dreams we dreamed of becoming, and the problems we’ve faced over the years.
I hope my kiddos adopt friends who listen, encourage, and stand beside them. Over our lifetimes we have many circles of friends: those who challenge us, have fun with us, and are loyal to us. Here’s an action plan for the friends you want to stay connected to — Reach out. Tell them: “JUST THINKING OF YOU! No need to reply!”
The essence of a good friendship is timeless, ageless, and filled with kindness, warmth, and compassion. You know those occasions, those feelings when you reconnect, and how it seems like yesterday!! Your best friends should bring out the best in you. Have you recognized that their love for you is so deep that it helped you become a better person? Have you noticed that they have been excellent listeners, and as a result become excellent friends?
Being a good friend means offering your support in times of need. My sweet friends have experienced what it’s like to sit with someone in their pain. When we share our experiences and our challenges we connect on a deeper level. A good example of this is when I am too focused on MY OWN problems. Spending time with a close friend helps me see life from a fresh perspective, to appreciate what I have or where I am at this very moment.
When you make a connection follow it and honor it; it might be the nudge or fortitude you need. I suggest you share the dynamics of your inner life with a trusted friend. When we share (and care) for one another we heal, we grow, and we learn how strong, and resilient we are.
I am grateful for my friends no matter where they are in the world.
"Each friend represents a world in us, a world possibly not born until they arrive, and it is only by this meeting that a new world is born." — Anaïs Nin
I hope when they think of our friendship that it feels grounded, secure, and solid. I also hope it feels effortless, comfortable, and uncomplicated. Friends help us maintain an outlook that is hopeful and bright. The friends closest to your heart show up. These friends will be there when you need them most, providing warmth, love, and support. I hope they know I’m willing to be there for them in return.
with love, JJ
PS. There are so many friendships I have not fully attended to or fostered fully…at least not yet! Please know your inner light has touched my spirit and for that, I am so grateful!