Thoughts on friendship

A few years ago I received an email with a poem that I initially thought was cheesy. I remember reading it and instantly deleting it. However, with everything that I have gone through this year, I have found myself thinking about the message in that poem. I was not able to locate the exact poem that was sent to me, but it was very similar to this:

"People come into your life for a reason, a season, or a lifetime. Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Some people become friends and stay awhile...leaving beautiful footprints on our hearts and we are never quite the same.
When someone is in your life for a REASON, it is usually to meet a need you have expressed outwardly or inwardly. They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you with guidance and support, to aid you physically, emotionally, or spiritually. They may seem like a godsend, and they are. They are there for the reason you need them to be. Then, without any wrong doing on your part or at an inconvenient time, this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end. Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away. Sometimes they act up or out and force you to take a stand. What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled; their work is done. The prayer you sent up has been answered and it is now time to move on.

When people come into your life for a SEASON, it is because your turn has come to share, grow, or learn. They may bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh. They may teach you something you have never done. They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy. Believe it! It is real! But, only for a season

LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons; those things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation. Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person or people involved; and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships, and areas of your life. It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant."

This poem is a bit more religious than the one that I received. And while I am not a very religious person who believes that friends are heavensent, I do think that the basic underlying message of this poem is true. I have learned that you have many friends that are seasonal and while they may serve a purpose in your life at that time, they are not permanent fixtures in your life. But, the few that are lifetime friends are the most amazing people you will ever know...

Moving

As many people already know, moving can be stressful. Since it has been awhile since I last moved, I have recently just remembered how hard it can be.

I grew up in a small town just north of Madison, WI. I lived in Wisconsin until I was 26 years old. It was then that I made one of the riskiest moves of my life. I packed all my belongings and moved out to southern California with a friend. Neither of us knew a soul in California. We only had each other. I barely had gotten a job and was commuting 1 1/2 hours to work everyday. I was so homesick I sometimes think it is a miracle I made it out here.

The first year was tough. Spending Thanksgiving 2,300 miles away from friends and family is not an easy experience. But, after the first year, things started to improve. My roommate and I moved from Oceanside down to San Diego. We found a 3 bedroom house that was bigger than my childhood home to rent! As 5 years passed living in this house, I had found several amazing people that I am fortunate to call my friends. While I was just beginning to enjoy life in California, I don't think I really appreciated how lucky I was at the time.

Although I reside in San Diego, I have spent as much time as possible in the Los Angeles area. Don't get me wrong, San Diego is a beautiful place. But, I have always loved the city. Earlier this year, I had wanted to relocate to Los Angeles. I wanted to take a chance again, find a new job and maybe figure out what it is I want to do when I grow up. Yet, as the year progressed I began questioning that thought. So I remained in San Diego, hoping I would have enough time to create my next plan on this road of life.

Now it has been 6 years since I left my home state of Wisconsin. My roommate has bought a townhouse and I am forced with having to make a big decision. Should I stay or should I go? The cost of living is not cheap in San Diego. And while I would miss my friends that have become my extended family, I am thinking it is time to go home. While you may be asking yourself what would possess me to leave this for cold weather, I can tell you it is not the thought of shoveling snow that is pulling me home.

I have learned that life is what you make of it. And where you live is just that, a place. It is the people in your life and your experiences that make you who you are. I still have a couple weeks to make my final decision, but spending the holidays with family is starting to sound better everyday. There is something about home that is actually comforting.