Yesterday was a rough day. We all have them, but it's good to recognize them. I think if we ignore them then they consume us and create more rough days. I'm happy I wrote through my frustrations; it released a lot of my tension. It cleared my head and let me proceed through the day without such a heavy weight on my shoulders. I was able to enjoy those around me without lingering thoughts in the back of my head.
Seeing H yesterday at Target was a huge high-light of my day. I haven't spent time with her in months and yet every time we are face to face we just pick up where we left off. She's one of those people that knows me so well it makes me nervous. I've known H for about 5 years now and we've been through a lot. She started off as one my employees, became my assistant director, and most importantly became my friend. She's seen me at my worst and my best. And I feel as if I've seen her at both as well. Our friendship is quiet, it's understood. There's no awkwardness, no competitiveness (which as a woman some friendships seem to have), we are just happy to be in each other's company.
Anyway, seeing H yesterday was a breath of fresh air. I find myself telling her everything. Things I didn't know I could admit out loud (I'm a private person unless you know me well) because it's not admittance around H, it's just me talking about life. She made me laugh because I was talking about life and all the adventures I still wish to go on she said ,"I honestly can't believe you're still living here. My sister was asking about you the other day and was baffled to hear you are still here." She says this because I'm a huge dreamer. I want to do everything and be everywhere- if only I could win the lottery!
A lot of my friends and family would want me to stay put. Not because they don't want me to go out and explore, but because I am loved. I don't mean for that to sound pompous, but there is no greater gift then to be loved. Sometimes with that gift is not wanting to let go- both you and them. Which is probably why I have stayed put so long. I don't want to leave them either. I have a large family and a great group of friends- leaving would be hard. I would miss out on a lot of big mile stones. I have a new nephew coming in August, a best friend's wedding within the next year, another best friend's baby due in December, and I"m sure my friend who just got married will be pregnant within the year as well. These people mean the world to me and I want to be there for them in all of their important life moments. But, I can't stick around to watch all of their lives move on and not feel as if mine is not. Right?
But, H gets this. She knows I struggle with this. That I love my family and friends so much I quite often talk myself out of things to stay close to them. That's why she pushes me forward. She tells me to do what's best for me. I'm so fortunate to have a friend like her. I can only hope I am as good of a friend to her as she is to me.
So, today's Slice of Happy is family and friends. All of them. I am lucky to have such kind, compassionate, smart, and loving people in my life. If leaving them is my biggest struggle in life, I would have to say I have a pretty great life.
