This is my post for this month's WILF writing project over at Robert Hruzek's Middle Zoned Musings.

i had a bit of trouble getting this post live, if you got it repeatedly I apologize

This month's WILF theme is What I've Learned from My Friends

My daughter during preschool had a little friend who use to say ...do this or I won't be your friend anymore?

We thought what's up with that ? Our attitude was we want to be everyone's friend. That's how we feel in our world.

As you go though time there are people you meet along the way that are really good for you.
 
You also discover there are others that deplete you

I used to have a fantasy expectation that the word friend implied a very specific commitment - like connected at the hip forever no matter what

Of course, over the years I have found that really isn't the case

Seemingly I have had friends that fall into a very wide variety of categories; friends who eat tacos, friends who drink beer, friends who cut a mean rug ( that means dance like a wild fool!) friends who hate when I talk about nutrition, friends who buy products from me, friends who share me, friends who don't judge me ever, friends who hug with all their might, look good friends, friends who inspire or challenge me, friends who give me the space to be whiney, friends who call, friends who don't - ever, christmas card friends. I have writing friends, jewelry making friends, artists friends, cake making friends. I have green friends and friends who aren't green at all. I have young friends and older friends. My "oldest" friend was in her 90's, she and I went to eat chile together. My youngest is currently next door, a little sweet first grader who I visit with almost every day.  

Life hands us challenges. Mine in recent years has handed me some real dooseys 

The friends who are tried and true were there, however other folks - friends from other circles of influence came out of the woodwork with amazing generosity. Their giving and caring presence of which truly and absolutely floored me.

Friends come and go - sometimes we find ourselves on different paths, perhaps paths contrary enough that it gets to be time to wish someone well and no longer be friends.  Sometimes that takes a level of honesty and courage. Some never find the gumption to let go of a negative influencing friend

Last year I made many many new friends. Some here through my blog, some through my work, others recently  through the oddest set of circumstances...ever

and I mean ever.

I love making new friends.  I find it challenges my ability to be open to new experiences. It also richens my being...sometimes to the core

What do I learn most from my friends? They teach me that....

I am not always perfect. I too make mistakes.  My friends allow me that gracious place to be human

Each of us have something different to bring to the table.

I know that I could never be without them, that I I treasure them.

That the ones I can laugh with, like laugh really really hard with?  They are the best of all. 



the view from a morning walk with a friend



she likes to talk with her hands



did the picture turn out? let me see ....

Karen Hanrahan ~ Wellness Educator/Nutritional Consultant/Blog Author
708.482.0678 ~ Websites: Nutrition, Weight Loss, and Green Clean