9/11- 8 years since the horrible events that made the numbers 9/11 hold significance in Americans everywhere. Eight years has flown by, I can't believe everything that has happened since- yet I can remember the day like it was yesterday.
As a result, today is a good day to ground myself in what is really important. As I talked about yesterday, stability is important. However, before stability, relationships are important. I have to admit- as much as I think and ponder and enjoy analyzing relational dynamics- sometimes I'm not the best at maintaining my own relationships. I am not a phone person (wow things have changed since I was 16- right Dad?). I don't like talking on the phone, and I'm not good about calling people back. The problem is, I have moved around so much that I'm not in close physical proximity to many of my close friends and family. Phone is all I have (and FACEBOOK! my beloved) to keep me connected.
There are many reasons why I am not always successful at putting as much effort into my relationships as necessary, but the outcome is still the same- fading friendships that were once so important to me. Generally, my reasons are generally thought out and explored. Friendships don't usually fade without my knowledge. I know that some people come into your life for a season, but I'm pretty good at letting that season end. This is good for some relationships (some people need the cord snipped), bad for others. I have some relationships in my life that have been incredibly influential and wonderful components of my life. It's that feeling that you get around that person where you almost feel like, life is complete. You know that you can go to that person and they will say something, have some insight that will make it alright- put things back into perspective. Those are the ones I'm learning how to hang on to!
As I have gotten older I have exposed less and less of myself to others. As a result, I hold my own thoughts inside and worry and fret alone. In developing my relationship with M, I have gone back to that place when i was 12-18 and I reveal practically everything. What I really think about things, my true thoughts, mistakes, fears, etc. He really is my absolute best friend. Spouses say that all of the time, but for me- someone who doesn't trust easily- it's pretty significant.
At the same time, I think that it's dangerous for spouses to become consumed in their relationship to the point where intimate relationships with others is non existent or limited. The marital relationship should be the most intimate relationship you have. While it is most important to me, I really value my friends that also are willing to share a small piece of themselves with me. Develop or maintain a one-on-one friendship. While being married is who I am and my number 1 priority, I still have independent thoughts and feelings and like to share them with others and be entrusted with their independent thoughts and feelings.
Moral of the story: hold on to your friendships, don't take them for granted, make an effort even when you don't want to, and be willing to share pieces of yourself with others.
Today M went golfing around noon. I was smart and sat this one out. I went to go see SORORITY ROW- hahahahaha. It was entertaining :) and the theater was decent on the inside. I also got a kiddie popcorn, drink, and pixie stick for $5.50. It was great! Then we went to Navy Pier, walked around and went to this designer jean warehouse sale. It was somewhat of a bust, but fun to check out anyhow.
After that we went over to one of M's college teammates restaurant- Flatwater. http://www.flatwater.us/index.html It was pretty swanky inside. I was impressed. Right on the river, food was pretty, and I had a delicious raspberry lemonade mojito- which didn't help my headache, but was tasty nonetheless.
We met up with some friends at a seafood spot- Devon's for a late dinner. It was good! I had blackened chicken penne pasta which I barely made a dent in after eating up all of the calamari. They entertained us with amusing stories :) and it was nice catching up.
I still had that dull pain still in my head, slowly reminding me I needed to get better sleep, so that was the only downside.
Ready to head out tomorrow to Indianapolis!
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