Being a Friend

So many times I've seen people make lists of who they are: Daughter, sister, friend, college graduate, volunteer, etc, etc. I've been thinking and I believe that the most important identity to me is Friend. Obviously daughter and sister are important and special, but these identities were assigned, not chosen. Graduate and volunteer are great aspects as well, but I still don't feel like they give a good idea of who I really am. I have chosen to be a friend and it's wonderful that we get to choose who our friends are. And as much as I love my family, there is no replacement for the relationship you have with a friend.

It was a difficult time when I had to realize who my true friends were, but now I am beyond thankful for these wonderful women in my life. Since we can choose our friendships, we also get to set our own rules and expectations for those relationships. I can talk to my friends about pretty much anything, and we know each other well enough to share without the fear of judgment. I truly hope that every person has the opportunity to share in a relationship where you know that you would do anything for a person and know that that person would do anything for you.

In this time in our lives when my friends and I are all figuring out what we're going to do with our futures, it is so great to have each other to rely on. No matter how much my life is changing right now, I know that my friends will always be there (even if "there" is 1000 miles away). I still hope that some day we can live closer together again, but no matter what I'm thankful for them and love my friends beyond explanation.

A million thanks to all of them! I hope everyone else can take a moment to truly appreciate their friends, and to remember to be a friend.