A little help from my friends . . .

And the daily gratitude posts continue . . .

Today I am especially grateful for my friends, ALL of my friends. I recognize that social media has broadened the definition of friendship. I sometimes refer to a friend as a Facebook friend, distinguishing them from those I might see on a regular basis, my longtime friends who know my deep dark secrets.  That said; now that I share my blog even complete strangers know very intimate details about me. Are they friends too?

When I started my blog I had no idea how it would unfold, or the unintended benefits I would reap. I find that the more personal and difficult the life lesson I share the greater number of profound and thoughtful responses I receive. My readers range from dear friends to random folks who have discovered my blog. Whoever they are, their private and public replies to my writing sometimes reveal painful shared experiences. I am often thanked for shining a light on topics they have been too ashamed or embarrassed to speak of with their own friends and family. Many times, I receive words of encouragement, to keep writing, to keep telling my stories.

While I am happy that my words resonate with so many, I am beyond grateful to my readers who validate my feelings, my worries, my hopes and dreams with their kind words of support or even a simple “like” on my page. They remind me that I am not alone in this world, and if I am brave enough to reach out to the Universe it answers with exactly what I need.

I know it’s easy to be cynical about friendships today, questioning who our friends really are . . . for me a friend is someone who is willing to connect for a minute, an hour, a day, or a lifetime, and say  I’m here, I understand, I support you . . . no judgment.

I am grateful for each and every one of you. .  . . Pass it on 🙂

xo