Living Inspired.

*We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures.

--Thornton Wilder

I'm dedicating this blog post to my friends, whom I am incredibly thankful for. They are some of the greatest treasures in my life. These are the women and men who have given me overwhelming love, encouragement, wisdom, real-talk, and lots of laughter. The way I feel about my friends is kind of like this.

"I've heard it said that people come into our lives for a reason; bringing something we must learn. And we are led to those who help us most to grow if we let them, and we help them in return. Well, I don't know if I believe that's true, but I know I'm who I am today because I knew you."

--For Good (Wicked)

 

10 things about my friends that I am thankful for:

 

1. Their optimism: I'm so blessed to have friends that choose to live their lives looking at the "sunny side" of things. This attribute is attractive to anyone. 

2. Their encouragement: Without their continuous and genuine words of hope, I would have not been able to see through the darkest hours of my life. They also celebrate with me for the beautiful times in my life.

3. Their hugs: For most of my life, I hated physical touch. Don't ask me why...I just didn't care for it. One of the things I have missed most while being here is the hugs from my friends. It makes me feel like I am home.

4. Their straight-up-ness (no, you can't find that on dictionary.com): I love having friends who are just real. Real about their actions, their words, their lifestyles, their Faith.

5. Their humor: Oh me, oh my. I could go on forever about how much my friends make me laugh. I have friends who can make me laugh so hard, I think I'm getting a 6-pack. Okay, so maybe not that hard...but they are pretty funny.

6. Their love for sweet Jesus: I have friends who are true followers of Jesus Christ. It's undeniable. You can feel it when you're around them. It's so beautiful to think that we are bonded as brothers and sisters in His name.

7. Their laughter: I love to hear my friends laugh. Sometimes I'll get tickled just listening to them laugh at something. Can't wait to hear this beautiful noise soon.

8. Their compassion: I have some big-hearted friends. For realsies. They have such a tenderness towards the things that the world would consider 'unimportant' or 'insignificant.'

9. Their accountability: I know that I could go to any one of these friends and pour my heart out. My secrets are kept safe, my 'dirty laundry' would never be exposed. They continually lift my joys and sorrows to the Best Secret Keeper.

10. That they chose to befriend me. In whatever way we met, thank you for reaching out your hand of friendship to me. From the friends of 13 years to the friends of 3 years...you all have made me who I am today. To many more years of life,love, and laughter.