Full Circle

I've been struggling recently, on both the personal and professional fronts, but I feel blessesd to have a strong circle of support that helps me through those rough times. I am one that believes that everything comes full circle in life and this weekend I had some of those full circle moments.

3 of my "pillars"---those that listen, love, and guide me daily--were going through their own moments of struggle, discontent and strife. Individually each one of them turned to me this weekend for an ear, a shoulder, some advise, some understanding...basically what I refer to as gestures of true friendship! I was there for them, as they are for me, and that ability to stand strong for them, to give back to them what they offer to me--unconditional support--has left me feeling more whole than I have felt in quite some time!

Too many relationships are one-sided...at work, people "need" me to lead them---make those tough decisions, take the hits, etc....; at home people "need" me to manage the house, take care of the shopping, bills, kids, etc...and often times appreciation is an implied after-thought...; then there are those relationships that allow me to vent, share, emote, but never allow me to reciprocate that support...and those relationships have left me feeling somewhat conflicted lately, wondering if friendship actually exists between us or is it that these people simply feel somehow required to be there for me...obligated to demostrate concern in my issues and problems because of some other vested interest on their part....

Well, it has been these 3 pillars who have offered true friendship to me---an EXCHANGE of love, support, criticism, humor, tears, etc... For only when a relationship is TWO-sided can it be fulfilling in the truest way....a person needs to feel supported, but also needs to feel wanted, and desired by others...not just one or the other is enough for a healthy relationship to exist...you know the kind that lifts you up and helps you grow...the kind you turn to for laughs and for hugs...the kind that will last through crisis and success...the kind that I cherish so dearly!

So...to my 3 pillars...2 of whom happen to be born the same day...thank you...thank you...thank you...! Your friendship means more than you'll ever know!