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I'm not sure why it seems to take a tragedy to jolt us out of our daily grind and take a look at the life we live, to take stock and count our blessings or make changes accordingly. But it does. I tend to be both introspective (just a slight step up from self-absorbed) and an observer (which can drift dangerously close to being disconnected or judgemental) and usually need some cosmic ass-whooping to get my perspective back. My most recent personal dramas, combined with a vengeful cold that has kept me in bed and grumpy the past few days, has got me re-examining who I am and what I want.
I was reflecting today on the friends in my life, and am kind of amazed at how varied they all are. There was a time when the people I hung out with were all pretty much alike, similar backgrounds and philosophy, similar tastes and interests. I'm not sure when it started to happen, but I am proud to say that is no longer the case.
I have friends who are rich and poor, old and young, gay, straight, and undecided. I have friends who follow politics and friends who are apolitical; Republicans, Democrats, Liberals, Conservatives, Moderates, Communists, Socialists. Friends who are Christians, Jews, Buddhists, Agnostics, Spiritualists, and still-figuring-it-outists. I have friends who LOVE hockey (yaaayy!!) and friends who have no clue. Friends with Benefits and the benefit of great friends. Friends who are like family, and family who are like friends. Friends who hunt and friends who would lay down their life to save an animal. Friends in different countries all over the world, friends who I've lived with, slept with, stolen with, lied with, fought with, prayed with, traveled with, danced with, laughed with, cried with... shared the deepest secrets with and the wildest dreams with. Friends who've held my hair when I was puking my guts out after waaaay too much to drink and I've held theirs. And I would do it again, anytime you needed me.
There are friends who I've known and been known by for days, years, decades, and those who I only know through the magic of Facebook. And the truth of it is, I love each and every one. I would be devastated to lose a single one, and have been heartbroken over friends that are no longer in my life. I am blessed beyond measure with people who genuinely care for me, encourage me, challenge me, and inspire me every day to be a better person.
Circumstances are fluid, life is too short, and opportunities to be happy are all around us but ever fleeting. Today, I count my blessings and call them Friends.
