What I Have Learned....

As cliche as it may be, I believe in the old adage that 'Quality is better than Quantity' when it comes to people in our lives. Actually, I don't really know anyone who doesn't believe in it. However, I also believe that there is something to be said about the quantity aspect of this old truism. I am convinced, through experience, that you can have a vast array of friends in your life.  All of them hold a purpose that is specific to our needs. As we have,contained within us, the ability to meet their own emotional needs.

I didn't just write this post on a whim. I have been contemplating it for awhile. I realized, one day,  that my friends, my family, they have all taught me a lot over the years about friendship. About love. About being real. About what kind of person I want to be.  And each one of my precious friends have taught me something different about life.  I decided to sit back and observe. To really consider what I have learned. It forced me to pay closer attention, to open my eyes more, to really appreciate what I have. The opportunity to be a better human being by the examples of others is an amazing thing. I hope everyone has that good fortune.

What I Have Learned....

Ultimately, we all want the same things out of life. To be loved, to be respected. Some of us just go about it in our own way. We take our own paths. It doesn't mean one road is better than the other. Just different but we have the same destination in mind.

The more you love yourself, the more you love others.

Loyalty is tied to faith, in my opinion. It's hard to have one without the other. And even sometimes, when we deserve it the least, when someone loves us the most, it is their faith that makes them capable of this. Their loyalty to a relationship, to a person or to God. This is someone that you know, without a doubt, that no matter what time, distance or circumstance comes between you, their loyalty will always surpass all of that.

A persons wrong doings or bad choices do not define them. Those things ignite change. There is nothing more inspiring to me.

Anytime, Anywhere you need me and I'll be there - this holds truth and comfort for me. This exists in my life. Comfort is the greatest gift you can receive from a friend. Even greater is to give it away.

Everyone has a past. Not everyone's is pretty. Not everyone can come out on the other side and say they have done better because of it. It takes courage, it takes strength and mostly it takes forgiveness. Forgiveness is the hardest thing to give in to. But the most rewarding if you can accomplish this.

Confidence is the sexiest attribute in a person. Especially a woman. Even better is when it's proven that confidence doesn't have to be a size 2. That you don't have to look like, be like or act like everyone else in this world. That you love yourself and embrace your flaws. That you know, you are awesome and you have the ability to hand out the best medicine there is - laughter.

"In every conceivable manner, the family is a link to our past and a bridge to our future."  Alex Haley - I would be nothing without a link and a bridge. It makes me whole.

It's easy to give up on people that have hurt you. To give up on an idea. To give up on yourself. The hard choice is to keep going. To keep believing. To give second and third chances. To love no matter what. It's usually the hard choices that are the right ones.

You are never too old and it is never too late to do something extraordinary. It is your life. It is your choice. You have the power to make the best of it.

Sarcastic souls do exist. ;-)

One single human being has the capacity to hold within him or her heartfelt understanding, the concept of unconditional love, unwavering patience and devout compassion ALL at the exact same time.

Happy Weekend!!

With Love,

Amy Marie