This post is written in collaboration with my friend Libby, co-author of Lessons In Our (early) 30s and this post contains affiliate links.
My whole life, Thanksgiving was about family. We still go home and visit family and eat turkey, but this time of year has a lot more meaning as we grow older. I’ve heard the phrase “friends are the family you choose” and that can’t be any more true! In 2012 we moved to Houston and we’re now 7+ hours away from our family. We’ve spent a few of the less “important” holidays away from home (we even did a non traditional Christmas in Mexico last year) and this year we will be in China. Friendships become more and more important because they sometimes fill in for family and friendsgiving is now a regular event for us.After moving to Texas, we found a few different ways to make friends. The easiest for us was to find a church and to become involved. We started going to a Sunday School at St. Luke’s and the majority of our lasting friendships in Houston started there. I found ways to be involved in the community through the Junior League, but quite a few of my friendships in Houston are through blogging!
We also have those friendships that we’ve had for years, but don’t have a chance to see or spend time with as often. Some of the best friendships are those that understand the distance and don’t allow it affect anything. The ones that understand “I know we don’t talk everyday, but you can still call me anytime for anything no matter what!”. Those friendships are invaluable.
I’ve also learned that not every friendship is meant to last. Dropping toxic friendships will not only benefit you, it will make your quality friendships stronger. This year I examined many of my friendships and was pleased to see which ones have really mattered. I’m so grateful for the friends who have laughed, cried, prayed, hoped, worked, and rooted for me! And I’m so glad to return the favor! Having friends that believe in your dreams is one of the easiest ways to help you achieve them.
I met my friend Libby a few years ago when she attended our Bible study. She was going through a tough time, and we are grateful we were able to be there for her. After meeting Libby, we realized we were also in the Junior League together and I’d even attended a yoga class she’d led! Fast forward a few years and Libby wrote and published her first book WITH one of her best friends! Libby is such an inspiration!
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