Friendships are blessings. All of them. The ones that come and the ones that go.

We’ve had friends who were genuinely happy for us and celebrated our wins but could not sit through the discomfort of hard times. It can be hard to realize that the people we shared so much joy with are nowhere to be found at the very moment we need to be reminded of the feeling of joy. But I want to invite you to consider having no one around to share your joy with and as a result, to see how these friends have been blessings in this regard.

Sometimes, we’ve had friends who are there for us during our darkest moments. However, as we grow and become happier and more self-sufficient, these same friends may not be able to understand or relate to this new version of ourselves. It cannot be easy to accept that the people who helped us in our time of need may not be able to come with us as we move forward. It is important to acknowledge the blessing they’ve been in our lives.

There are other friendships as well:

• The ones who support you at your most vulnerable while hiding their own vulnerabilities.
• The ones who create distance instead of clear communication.
• The ones with whom you’ve shared beautiful stories but chose to ghost you out of the blue?
• The ones that felt closer than they actually were.
• The ones whose motives you can’t figure out but who insist on orbiting around you
• The ones that exist between love and betrayal
• The friendships just fade away because of other priorities.

Blessing comes in different forms, including disguise. It is essential to cherish the bits of joy and awareness these relationships brought for the time they were allowed to live.

I personally value friendships that hold me (us) accountable and never shy away from speaking the truth. I appreciate the friendships that can adapt and give rooms to different versions of ourselves. I have been fortunate to have a few of these friendships in my life. However, I am also learning to accept changes and embrace transitions that come with the passage of time. Sometimes, friendships evolve and even fade away, and that’s okay, too. I am finding peace and grace in this process.

“I have come to realize that not everyone is capable or willing to navigate the different versions of you. Maintaining certain relationships requires conscious effort and skills that some people may lack or not prioritize. » One of the most challenging things I have found is to get stuck in the illusion of what once was. Now, when I notice that a friendship has faded away, I remind myself of the beauty of what we once shared, the insight and lessons that this relationship brought me, and send it love.

Only the strongest roots will survive throughout the seasons, but this doesn’t diminish the beauty and impact of the flowers, leaves, and sometimes even the spines.

Love always,

Rachel-Diane