For multiple reasons. But a huge reason is for the wonderful friends I have at both ends of this country. I received another email from a very dear friend in Alberta a couple of days ago, and the warmth of her words to me literally leapt off the screen, giving my heart a metaphorical big hug. Then when I realized that a couple of days prior to that email, another dear friend in Alberta had sent me a similar email that glowed with excitement about getting to see me next month, I started to feel this incredible swelling of emotion in my chest: I am SO blessed to have several really really good women for close friends. I am loved. I am cared about. Mmmm.
I reflected on this for a couple of days, and more examples of the caring friends I have came my way.
Another dear friend here in Ontario called me last night to let me know our "Full Moon Date" would have to be cancelled, as she'd made a mistake with the moonrise time and could no longer make it. However, I was to go outside right now, she said, and take a look at that beautiful glowing moon. And I did. :-) Today, I got a text from a close friend in Alberta, telling me we hadn't chatted in far too long, and she was sending me happy thoughts, and asking to FaceTime on Monday. (I love iPhones!) Yet another really good friend here in Ontario had asked and encouraged me in the
summer to do a couple of yoga sessions for Sparks and Brownies this
morning at their Fitness Day at camp (SUCH a rewarding and fun time THAT
was too!) Even though I've never done yoga with kids, and I was a
little worried about just how to go about it, she believed in me, and
figured I'd be fine, and I was. So much so, that I'd do it again! And, our doggies are getting looked after (and VERY well-looked after I might add) tomorrow while we are at the Lions football game by super good friends of ours. They adore our dogs, and our dogs adore them, and they love looking after our dogs, so we won't worry at all about leaving them alone for several hours. How amazing is that?
It is a heart-warming, soul-hugging feeling to know I have this level, this quality of friendships both here at home, and there, back at my old home, 2000 miles away. Knowing I have people who genuinely care about and for me does wonders for my self-esteem, my psyche, and my sense of well-being. It's like I've been given a spirit massage. I am truly blessed, and I am so thankful for each one of them. And these aren't all of them either! I have two other very good friends here; we shared tea/coffee just a couple of weeks ago, and we get together and have much-needed heart-to-hearts on a regular basis. Out in Alberta, I have several other good friends, one of whom has got our group of about 8 together to catch up with me on both of my last two trips out West. So thoughtful. And so good for the soul to have those evenings, to live in the moment and visit, and then have that evening to look back upon and get that inner glow again. The glow of knowing I mean something to others. That others care about me. I am loved!
Loved by your friends but maybe not so much your family lol!
ReplyDeleteWell maybe just a bit ;)
Yes, I too regularly reflect upon my blessings, which include wonderful friendships. It amazes me to think that someone is giving me their time in thought, evidenced by a text, call, email, when I'm not in their presence. This love and genuine caring infuse these friendships with a certain je ne sais quoi, lending such warmth and a sense of deep gratitude for these blessings.
Yup, you can choose your friends, but you can't choose your family! lol Seriously, the far-away hugs can be just as meaningful as the physical ones at times.
ReplyDeleteI think it's really good to stop occasionally and remind ourselves about blessings like friends... Thanks for the reminder.
ReplyDeleteHelen