Everlasting Friendships

I know it's been a long time since I last blogged and I apologize. I have been working soooooo much. It's also very exhausting trying to figure out what the next step for me is. I need a life coach; any takers?

So yesterday, at work, a little girl was sitting at a table with her parents, making friendship bracelets. I commented on how lovely they were and how much work they must be. She blushed, chatting a little, while going about her business. About 30 minutes later, she walked up to me and handed me an adorable pink, white, and purple one she made right there and then, for me. I told her how much I loved it stating that purple was my favorite color (even though it's actually teal). What a sweetheart.

Today, I started thinking about what to write, then the thought of relationships and the little girl came to mind. It was so easy for her to give her "friendship" away, to a complete stranger, why is it so difficult for us, as adults to do the same? People come in and out of our lives so quickly, how do we know what relationships to hold on to, and which ones to let drift away?

I know the close friends I have now will be around for the rest of my life. We can go days or months without talking but, without a doubt, that bond is forever. I have a friend, Mark, who I see very rarely. When we do, it's like a minute hasn't gone by. The last time we hung out, we stayed up all night, at the fountain outside Atkins Park talking about everything. Ha Ha Him and others have made me a better person through their love and friendship.

I'm not saying my relationships with all of them are perfect, because they definitely aren't. We have all had disagreements but have allowed the love we have for one another to conquer any fight. This is the test of a true relationship. People are not the same and it's very easy to forget that. Remember to always take a step back at look at the other persons point of view. You don't have to agree, as long as you understand where they are coming from and remember that they are not you.

So my question again, how do you know what relationships to hold on to and which to let go of? I've had friends in my past, who I've matured past, and thank God I did. We were heading in different directions. Instead of being swept in the current of their lives, I swam a different stream. These relationships were important in the growth of my character but were not intended to be lasting factors in my life.

I guess my answer is that you just have to decide which ones are worth fighting  for, because there are defiantly going to be tests to any great relationship. But isn't that the point of those battles? To test where you loyalty is, where you heart is, what is important to you.

I recently told my sisters that I wanted to give up trying so hard. I was frustrated, emotionally and physically drained... But the truth is, I'll never give up trying to build strong relationships with them. Loving them is one of the most important things in my life. Yes, we will all fight, yes we will all disagree (mostly because we are all so damn stubborn Ha Ha) But I will never give up!

What relationships do you want to hold on to? Are there any that you want to get back, even if it means swallowing your pride? What's important to you?

Hugs & Kisses