keep the old.

My marm always says "make new friends, but keep the old" and I couldn't agree with her more. I have loved connecting with new people at every phase of my life (I will never get sick of the moment you realize you and another person were totally meant to cross paths..it's so magic!), but I also deeply cherish the connections of years past. It's OK to sometimes let folks go; to recognize they were sent to you for only a certain amount of time for one reason or another. I think it's actually a pretty loving thing to do, releasing someone you can no longer fully commit to as a friend. But I also feel there are other relationships that deserve to be nurtured until the day your souls leave the planet.  I'm realizing I need to step up my game in this department.

My friendship with Tori has truly been a sisterhood. Our paths have taken us down very different roads (I still can't believe she is a mommy of 2 precious little guys!) but we have always managed to pick up right where we left off, regardless of time and space between us. This is a love worthy of never taking for granted and I'm afraid I have done just that as of late. It's my biggest New Year's resolution; to make a greater effort towards reconnecting with people who have touched my life in a plethora of positive ways. Without them, I would not be where I am today...and I am SO in love with this space that my heart teeters on the brink of bursting with gratitude and happiness on a daily basis.

I know what you're thinking and I, too, can barely contain my giggles over my 18 year old self below...those overalls! that turtleneck! that BLONDE hair!! What.A.Catch. :)

Almost 10 years later, I still love this chica like a sister...

Make new friends, but keep the old. They are part of your souls journey to it's highest self. Make time for them, commit to exercising gratitude for their presence in your life. Don't get so wrapped up in your own journey that you lose sight of what you can offer to theirs. A purpose filled life is far more rewarding than a pleasured filled one. Besides, finding a purpose is the highest form of pleasure there is anyhow. Be available to offer guidance and support or just a hug and an ear to listen. Actively participate in your friendships. Let the love flow easily between you by taking down walls of "things just got so busy...".

Don't get too busy for your friends. Cherish them now, OK?

In Gratitude,

Trish