It’s time for the final post for NaBloPoMo and since it’s a Saturday that means it’s time to talk about self-care again. This week I’m encouraging you to find your people.
Your people are the ones who get you. The ones who are there for you at a moment’s notice. The ones who support you and make you laugh. The ones you want to hang out with, have dinner with, go to the movies with and do all the fun stuff with. Beyond the fun, though, they are also the ones who hold you when you weep, who pull you back when you skate too close to the edge, the ones who have your best interest at heart all the time. And, part of the reason they are your people is because you do all those same things for them when they need you.
Listen. Self care is all about loving yourself, caring for yourself, and improving yourself and while a lot of that can be done alone, there can be real benefits to including friends as part of your self care. Watching your friends grow can help you be inspired to try something new, hanging out with them can increase your trust and help you to become more vulnerable. And if I’ve learned anything this past year it’s that being vulnerable is where the magic happens.
I’m truly fortunate to have a strong inner circle of friends as well as a rich middle circle and a large outer circle. (If you don’t know what I’m talking about, this is a great piece on identifying your circle of friends.) Your circle of friends, and how you choose who is included in that circle, is a critical component to your self care. Do your best to build that circle with the right people and watch how that changes your energy and growth.
Thanks for that link. My inner circle has shifted this last year due to my two nearest friends retiring and moving away. I have been cautious about adding to that inner circle and have spent more time nursing the middle circle. As I have walked through the aging process with my dad, I am really aware of the importance of maintaining friendships.
This is an interesting aspect of self-care! I think it’s tougher to cultivate a strong inner circle as an adult, but without it, things are much more difficult. “Being vulnerable is where the magic happens” has been on my mind a lot lately, and is something I’m going to be thinking about a lot more in the new year. Congratulations on a successful NaBloPoMo!
This is so true. My mom used to talk to her high school students about the difference between “best friends”, “friends” and “acquaintances”. I think most importantly she reminded them that people use the word “friend” very differently, especially when kids were struggling with how the popular kids are “friends” with everybody. For me, my “friend” circle is fairly small and my inner circle even smaller still. Perhaps in part because if a friend asks me to show up for them in some way I take that very seriously. I only have one friend that I consider my “shovel buddy” – the person you would help clean up the most personal things in their life while they’re here or after they’re gone. Or, you know, if they decide homicide is preferrable to divorce. ;- )
Thanks for that article, Carole, and a great post!
Congrats on a successful NaBloPoMo!!
I am very thankful to include you in my circle of dear friends. Your Saturday posts have been insightful and have helped me more than you know. <3
You made it, and in style, I might add. Another thoughtful post, Carole, thank you!
This is a great way to round out a great month of posts. Thanks for sharing all your thoughts with us!
True wisdom. I like the link and am spending time with it.
You made it!! November needs a fork stuck in it.
The whole BloPoMo has been fun as there has been so much to read, to learn from and to enjoy! Thank you for all you put into the month. You’ve ended on a high note! The friend article hits home. My circle is a little smaller, mostly because of all I’ve been through this year and I see who has been here for me. Some friends offer physical help (food and such), some offer emotional support (even a phone call is good) and some just shy away and then come back when you’re able to be “yourself”. It’s beeb interesting. I need to cultivate the outer circle and bring them into the middle circle so they can potentially be part of the inner circle. Thank you! xo
Congratulations on a wonderful NaBloMo and especially thank-you for the Saturday posts. You make our world a better place Carole!
I really enjoyed your NaBloPoMo … and also that I didn’t do it! also, I thought I’d been keeping up but apparently I left off after Wednesday. I loved your Thanksgiving gratitudes (we did have to drive a little more, but still, so grateful for no airports!) and ALL THAT PIE! … and this last post seems most fitting. Thank you!