Recently I have been given a very sound piece of advice from a friend that I trust and who's opinion I value very much. She said " You need to trust your instincts more". I have extremely good intuition. My "gut feeling" is right most of the time. And by most I mean 95% of the time in situations I can assume correctly how things will pan out, what people's intentions are and make an accurate opinion of ones character.
Lately I have found myself saying "it's difficult to make adult friends". It's true, for the most part, it becomes difficult as you get older to make good solid and lasting friendships. It seems that most of those are made in the "early days". After reflecting on this I have found many opportune moments to reflect on the unbelievable group of friends that I have collected for myself. Each friend I value for different reasons, and I value each for multiple reasons.
My high school crew and I have a long history together. Making lots of memories, sharing many life experiences and sharing in personal growth. We have been through some of life's most testing times. We saw each other through the struggle of finally becoming who we are as adults. Encouraging each other, testing each other and most importantly loving each other for who we really are. These are some of my favorite people in the world. I wouldn't give them up or trade our memories for anything. Thank you for being by my side through the long road that has brought us here. I will always be here for you, forever and always. xo
High school set the foundation for me to begin growing into myself. I had the love and support of friends and family and that allowed me to further explore and dream about what I really wanted out of life. I began to change. I met people in University and College that motivated me. They encouraged me to do better, and inspired me to be better. I was impressionable. I was searching for myself and these girls allowed me to understand the type of person I want to be through bits of themselves. They were driven, never settling, and always striving for the best. I can be my complete open and honest self with you. I couldn't imagine a more thoughtful, compassionate and loving group of people. I love you all for different reasons. But I do truly love you all. Thank you for being a part of my life. You are amazing souls who deserve no less than the best out of life. The memories we have made are some of the best in my entire life. We have years of memory making ahead and I cannot wait for it. xo
Work friends have proven harder to make. Now that I am all grown up working a grown up job in a grown up office. It seems that at this point in my life everyone I meet or know has a set group of friends that the have regular plans with on a regular basis. Work friends are just that. They seem to stay in the work place and never leave the confinement of the office, or at least office hours. I have a lot of superficial relationships within those walls. I can make small talk with just about anyone and although I try to avoid those meaningless conversations it seem to be what the majority of relationships at work amount to. I have had several jobs and as jobs come and go so do your work friends. But I have found a real gem since starting at PwC. A lady that I can say and do anything in front of and she is there to laugh with me about it, give strong advice when needed, and often times contribute a similar story. I value this friendship probably more than she knows. Our conversations are meaningful and thought provoking. No topic is off limits and we share a kind of closeness that only comes from true friendship. We did meet at work, but I like to think that our friendship extends far beyond the structure that is our Firm. Never a dull moment, our conversations fluidly move from one topic to the next and she always has interesting perspective or a wealth of knowledge to contribute. You know who you are Lady. Thank you for being my friend. You are a genuine person. I value your opinions. I value your honesty. You are refreshing. Cheers to many more wine & dinner dates. xo
I firmly believe that a persons group of friends is a reflection of themselves. The type of friends you have say a lot about who you are as a person. At this stage in the game it's true that I can tell when a lasting friendship has presented itself. I am so thankful for all of you. Each one of you makes me a better person, even for just having known you.