Circle of Friends

I have been thinking about friends alot lately. There are friends in my life who have lasted through many, many years of happiness and heart ache and others who were there for a short while. I have been very fortunate to have met many wonderful people and believe that people come into your life for a reason, and if they stay a short while or if they are there for a long time, they have/had a purpose.

I have an immediate circle of friends that I know will come to my rescue (or at least try!). Whether I have a deck problem, plumbing or electrical crisis, sickness, a bad hair day, need two or three cups of tea and mac and cheese, or I just need someone's ear (or shoulder)! The value of this inner circle of friends is immeasureable, and I hope they know how much I appreciate them!

There are other people in my life that I like to refer as "lifers". They have been with me for a long time and are made up of childhood and school friends. We do not communicate regularly, but when we do, it is bliss! Months, even years, could pass, and every now and again this person will come into my mind. Then before you know it, the phone rings (on either end) and the catching up begins! The real constant about this little circle of friends is knowing that this person still thinks of me.

While plugging through life, we connect with people who are in the same situation we may find ourselves in at that time. A kindred soul, I guess you could say. When our life circumstances change, the class finishes, the job ends, we miss the relationship. But life changes and we move on. We cannot possibly maintain involved, intimate relationships with everyone we meet - even if we were very close for a very important period of time. But friendships that are short are still important.

Our circle of friends is always changing - some will remain constant while others float in and out of our lives...making way for new connections, some ready to re-establish the old, comfortable ones. If there is someone you are missing right now, reach out, say hi, re-establish a connection. A new relationship doesn't necessarily have to start here but a good feeling may result.

My wish for you is that you connect with someone you have been thinking about. Send a quick e-mail, a holiday greeting (tip: if you are sending the holiday newsletter add a personal note please...!)...and I hope you will receive glad tidings.

Karen