Friends

Something I have always asked myself is how do you know who your real friends are. It has been something I struggle with on a daily basis.

What makes a good friend? Someone who tells you what you want to hear? Someone who tells you that can trust with your life? The list is endless I guess. So many things that can make a friend good or bad.

Then there is the whole issue of equality in a friendship. Does the person you are friends with think the same way as you, and are your standards higher or lower then theirs. Do they feel embarrassed to tell you things just because they don’t want to be made fun of? If that is the case then why are they even your friend?

I dont trust every one of my friends with everything and anything I think, feel, dream, imagine, or wonder. But the major things in my life I feel that they should know, or would (hopefully) want to know. Otherwise are we really friends? The reverse is true as well, if they don’t want to share major things with me then are we friends? I may as well be some obscure co-worker that only talks to me in passing and when its required to be polite.

The sad thing I have realized lately is that there are people I am friends with that I don’t want to tell things to because I just don’t want to hear their reaction. Or their inevitable rude or snarky comments. Is that really friendship? Worried that your so-called friend is going to be rude instead of happy for you or supportive.

Friendship, like any relationship can be complicated. Full of emotions, good and bad, and ups and downs. The true friends will stick with you through good things and bad. They take work, simple as that.

Always there to catch you when you fall.

Thoughts? Comment below.

New Years Resolutions

A new year, a new start. If you are reading this and are one of the people that think that there is no point to new years resolutions then I would usually agree with you. I haven't made any in years and I am one of the people that used to think that what's the point since no one keeps to them anyways. Well this year I figured I would give it a shot. Why not? If I don't keep them then nothing really changed from the last few years when I didn't make them. If I do then I managed to change my life in some way. I also figured that if I write them down then I will have some sort of reminder that I made them.

So I guess here they are. My 2014 New Years Resolutions.

1. Write more. I used to write constantly. Usually on paper since it was easier to cart around when I wanted to write something down. I had a dent in my middle finger from the pen pressing into my hand so hard from writing all the time. Even after I stopped writing for the most part I had that dent in my finger for a number of years after. So this year I am hoping that I can manage to write more. I miss letting everything out. It seems to make a lot more sense to me when I can write it all down and possibly go back to it later.
2. Find more time to read more. Another thing I used to do all the time was read. Getting older I realize that it can be an expensive hobby if you buy books all the time. Even the digital copies can get expensive for new releases. Not to mention I happen to be a bigger fan of physical books over digital because of how they feel in my hand. I happen to be the owner of a library card and used to frequent it often. Not just to use the computer like a lot of people. But to sit for hours and read or (wait for it...) actually check out books and take them home to read. I definitely want to make more time to read.
3. Get healthy and fit. Why yes I am very aware of the fact that this is a very popular new years resolution. I also know that if done wrong it can be very unhealthy. I just want to get into shape and feel good about myself. I don't think that this is to lofty of a goal to achieve. Especially with the right support around me. Maybe time to invest in a personal trainer and nutritionist. Just to help me stay on track.
4. Spend more time with my parents. I have found that as I get a little older I actually want to spend time with my parents. I feel like I take for granted the fact that they live ten minutes away from me. My mind says "oh well you can see them anytime since they live right there". That won't always be the case and I think spending more time with them (either individually or one on one) is a good idea. Not to hard of a goal I think.

So far, that is all I have. I suppose the list can change and evolve as the year goes on. I don't think resolutions have to happen only on January 1st of every year. It just seems like a good time to do it since its a fresh start for everyone. Anyone out there have any resolutions they would like to share for the new year? Comment below :)

Happy New Year! 2014 here we come.

-Stefanie Lynn