Because people don't say it often enough

I have been reflecting lately on how blessed I am to be surrounded by such loving and empowering friends.  This post is my very small way to thank and acknowledge them for being a major source of enrichment, encouragement, laughter, and love in my life.  It’s my love note and thank you note to some of my favorite women.

Alyssa – it is hard to verbalize how thankful I am for you.  You have been part of my life since 9^th grade in high school and you get my past, my present, and you are always helping me analyze what’s to come in my future.  I have as much fun if not more fun watching movies with you in our sweatpants as I do when we have a fancy night out.  I can be honest with you without being fearful of judgment and I know in my heart of hearts that you are the kind of friend who only comes around once in a lifetime.  I’m never letting you get away!  I count myself lucky to have found a friend like you, some people never find a soul sister and most don’t find that forever friend as early in life as we did!

Mom – I have always loved you because you are mom but I love that have also become one of my closest friends!  You are so loving and encouraging.  You inspire me by always pursuing your passions and interests.  You are a wonderful listener and you have taught me so much throughout my lifetime.  You helped me find a love for reading and for dance.  You inspired me with your career before you had me and your perseverance to overcome obstacles in the workplace.  You also showed me that it’s ok to focus on other things besides your career as well.  You make the best sugar cookies and chicken noodle soup in the whole world and I appreciate you more than I can put into words!

Larissa – you started out like my little sister but our friendship has grown so much since college.  You are so grounded in your faith and you are one of the most thoughtful people I know.  Just being around you has helped me become more considerate and more willing to outwardly show appreciation and affection for others.  You wear your heart on your sleeve and you are so much fun to be around.  I love that we have so many common interests and that we can transition so easily from serious conversation to being completely goofy. 

Amanda – You came into my life pretty shortly after two of my best friends had moved out of state and I was feeling disconnected and lonely.  You were in a new city and looking for people to connect with and I honestly believe in my heart of hearts that God provides people in our lives at the exact time that we need them.  Our friendship has always felt natural and easy and I am so thankful we get to spend so much time together.  I want to thank you for your friendship and for all the fun memories we have shared and all the new memories to come.  You are my sweatpants sister!

Joanna – you are by far the best thing to come out of my Adrenaline gym membership!  It’s hard to imagine that had we not taken that Body Jam class on the same day we might have missed the chance to reconnect.  I cannot thank you enough for encouraging me to start taking dance classes again.  I love that we started out as workout buddies but our friendship has grown so much from there.  I love that we can vent about work, plan fun outings in Atlanta, try new things, and talk about life.  I wish I got to see you more often but I always feel like whether it’s been a week, a month, or two months we pick up right where we left off.  

Angela – You are my second mom.  I was incredibly lucky to find a friend like Alyssa but I got a major bonus of finding such a wonderful second family.  You have always opened up your home and made me feel welcome.  Thank you for all the great advice you’ve given me over the years, you always try to help people see the best in themselves and realize their potential.  Thank you for sharing your amazing daughter with me when she comes home to visit.   You are an amazing mom, sister, daughter, and friend to the people in your life and I’m so glad you are part of my life!  

Jenna - You are such a beautiful person inside and out!  You look for the best in people and you are such a loving and encouraging person.  I'm inspired by your pursuit for a career that you are passionate about and your commitment to make your dreams come true.  It's so easy to settle but you continue to persevere.  You are also so much fun to be around whether it's craft night, having a dance party while paining your second bedroom, hanging with friends, or our annual trek to 12 mile it's always a joy to be around you.