I was telling my snis how wonderful my time was in Arizona and that such a huge part of it (beyond a break from real life aka responsibilities) was that I was with fabulous people who accept me exactly as I am and never make me second guess myself, and in doing so, give me space to be the best version of myself – happy/cheerful, confident, kind, giving, energetic, easy-going, etc.
It’s such a gift to spend a significant chunk of time with people like that. It revitalized me. It brings me back to me. It makes me feel loved. It makes me feel like I am part of a community. It leaves me with nothing but good feelings (okay, and sadness it’s over).
These aren’t my only friends (or family!) who 100% accept me as me – it’s just special that I got to be with them for so long, without any interruptions. I definitely feel this way when I spend shorter amounts of time with other friends and family.
And… on the flip side of the coin, there are people I can’t be 100% me around, and I hate it. I hate having to think about what I say and do. I hate wondering “should I have said that?” or ” are they treating me this way because I did something?” Ugh. Less of that, please.
The good news is, the older I get, the more immediately I recognize the relationships where I can be me, and I absolutely cherish them (and try to avoid the other ones as much as possible)!
Love love love this and totally get it. It’s such a blessing to have these people in our lives and they really make the ones that AREN’T those people stand out in stark contrast. Glad I have you.
I knew you would get this!!! I was thinking of you when I wrote it. And exactly, this people really make you rethink your other “relationships.” Glad I have you too!
How wonderful that you have found your tribe! And what a great feeling to be able to spend time with them!
It is! I am so grateful!!!!
I’ve kind of come to the same conclusion over the past few years that being seen for who I really am and not having to hide parts of myself is a BIG DEAL. I’m glad you have people in your life who you can be yourself with 🙂
IT IS!!!! It sounds like we’ve been on a similar journey <3
Thank you! I hope you do too!
Yay, Kim! You deserve to have these people in your life because YOU do such a good job of loving people the way they are and celebrating them, and you deserve the same. I’m glad you felt so good on that trip with your friends! Sometimes those vacations can be a little fraught, but I’m delighted to hear it wasn’t. <3
Thank you so much Stephany. And thank you for being one of those friends for me!
And yes I know what you mean about trips like this being fraught! And it totally isn’t! I cannot believe how well the three of us get on. We have talked about inviting more of our art friends which would be fun but I don’t want to mess with the vibe LOL.
Yes! I completely agree that the only people who matter are the ones that accept you for who you are.
YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!! I hope you have a lot of people like that in your life!