On Being Myself and Friendships

One of my biggest hopes for this past year...well really the past two years...was to feel like I could be myself around my friends.

I have such a hard time sometimes worrying about what other people think of me. So much so that I often won't speak up or just stay quiet in situations where saying something is probably really beneficial.

I'm still not great at this, but I have definitely seen some major improvements in myself.

A couple of my friends who know me the best and have actually experienced the real me don't even live near me anymore. But it is truly so refreshing to know that I can pick up my phone and text or call or email them and pour out my heart or voice my concerns...and they totally know what to say. I definitely have this kind of relationship with some of my friends that live near me as well and it's such a blessing.

I'm not a perfect person. I screw up on a daily basis. I say and do things constantly that I know I shouldn't. But it's so encouraging to know that my friends still love me, still encourage me, and still want to hang out with me, in spite of all of that.

I really don't feel like I express my gratitude enough for my friends. I have been so very blessed with amazing people in my life that I seriously don't know what I would do without. God always knows what we truly need and He is so faithful in providing it. For a girl who spent many years of her life without friends or with only one or two, I truly appreciate His provision for this time in my life when I really need strong, amazing friends with beautiful hearts.

So today, I just want to say thank you to all of my wonderful friends. I am so incredibly blessed by all of you.