Friends



In life, there are few things more frustrating or rewarding as our relationships with other people. Whether it be with our parents, siblings, extended family, co-workers, children, or friends, our relationships with these people can have a big impact on our lives. Some relationships are more important than others, but without a doubt, friends rank up there as some of the most important.

Friends give us a life and a perspective outside of our family units. When we weathering storms on the home front, friends can be a lifeboat ready to take us to safety. Even if it's just for a short period of time, that safety can reground us, and help us significantly reevaluate, relax, and remove stress. In short, they're on our team and sometimes we need cheerleaders.

I know that all-too-often, I can get wrapped up in my work- and my family-life that I sequester myself for long periods. During these times I don't see my friends when I really need to. My life has been a bit of storm this year, for several reasons, and I should have sought the refuge of my friends more than I have.

As I've started to come out from the eye of the storm, I've realized that I really do need my friends, and to that end, I have started actively spending more time in their company. Last month I made a point of getting out more, and it did wonders for my mood and well-being.

 This last weekend was an absolutely fun and wonderful time hanging out with my friends. I can't believe I waited so long to do it. I got to really relax, remove myself from my sequestering, have some much-needed, long-awaited, conversations, and I got to gain some good perspectives from different viewpoints. I got to visit with some acquaintances and catch some live music as well.

Tonight, I am going to see another friend who had a baby a few months back and doesn't get out much. We're going to make homemade pizzas with the kids, relax, and have a good talk over wine. It's overdue, and I'm looking forward to it.

I had a quick chat with a dear friend this morning who remarked that after our night out this weekend, that she was in a great mood the next day. I agreed that I certainly was too. It put a big smile on my face and lifted me back up all over again. Don't underestimate the importance of good friends. They are someone to walk with on a difficult path...you don't have to go alone.

Yours,

H.A.

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