Take a Breath...

I've always had 2 families: my physical blood family that I was born into & the friends that have become like family to me. We were talking about this fact today in my world lit class while discussing the story of The Ugly Duckling. I don't know why but something about the idea that there's an entire group of people that I get to CHOOSE to have in my life was fascinating to me.

I've always had the belief that God brings certain people into your life at the exact time that you need them. Maybe it's to help you learn or discover something about yourself. Perhaps there's a problem in your life and you need this person's knowledge to help you get through it safely. A lot of times it seems like these people, at least for me, come into my life quickly and leave as soon as whatever I'm going through is over. Then there are the ones who come into my life and NEVER leave. Some of them I don't get to talk to very often, others I talk to all the time, but I know that no matter what my need that the minute I call/text/IM any of these people they'll be there for me.

There's something to be said for being able to choose your family. I can't do anything about the family I was born into. I didn't ask for it, or them. This doesn't mean I love them any less, but I know that if the people in my family weren't just that, I probably wouldn't be friends with them. My mom says that all the time about my sisters and I. If we weren't sisters we probably wouldn't be friends; our personalities are that different. There's something to be for life experiences bringing people together.

The people I choose to be friends with though, that's something special. I'm taking the time to form bonds with these people that I hope will last a lifetime. Sometimes that's hard when I don't get to talk or see some of them very often. Each of these people holds a special place in my life. Maybe you were there when jerkface broke my heart. Or you were one of those awesome girls that I met on one of my many summer adventures. Whatever our story is, the fact that I CHOSE to have you be a part of my life is HUGE!

Life is all about the choices we make. Everything is linked to them. I'm really glad I made the choice to have each & every one of you in my life. It's crazy sometimes, but I wouldn't change that for anything. What's more fun than a ride with a few bumps in the road?

<3 Jen