Hey cutie patootie! Hanging in there still? Good. You got this girl! Just keep putting one foot in front of the other. It is no secret I love my people in my life BIG! I love them like family and always make room for anyone and everyone. Well just come on over here my friend! You and whoever you bring is welcome. People are shocked with how many good people I have in my life and how we can all be together with very little to no drama. The “how” question is pretty quick to follow most of the time. I’ll let you in on the how… it’s not hard and you can have good people in your life too. Just remember friendship is a two-way street. Not an even two-way street, just a two-way street. I will explain later.

I have always been a vibey person and can pick up on a person’s character pretty quick. There are times I have been off. A majority of the time I am spot on. Believe it or not, I am a pretty reserved person when I first meet you. I am more of an observer. Once you know me, you’ll get the Amanda that is super loving, loud, always down for a good time, a lot of sass, humor, sarcasm, and a big dollop of personality. That Amanda, the one that let’s you into her life, will love you forever unless you give her a reason to kick you out of her life. See I don’t play with the drama and petty bullshit. Nobody has time for that and I don’t associate with jerks.

People mess up. Friends will piss you off. You will disagree with someone. You won’t have the same views. Hello, that is life!! Get your panties out of a wad, open your mouth, and have a conversation about it! It is okay to disagree. It is okay to not see the same. That is healthy. That is what makes this world unique. The world needs all kinds of kinds to go around and around. When you have a conversation be real and transparent, admit your mistakes, and say sorry. Just own it! You forgive and you move on still loving that person. Your friendship will be better because of it. If you can’t move past it, then move away from it. Bye, girl! I just wasn’t the person for you and you weren’t the person for me. That is OKAY!

You aren’t going to be everyone’s apple pie! Be okay with that. I struggle with it sometimes. I really did when I was younger. You just want to be liked by everyone. Now with some wisdom I would go back to my younger self and tell her those exact words.

See sister, you are someone’s answer to their prayers. They have been looking, praying and patiently waiting for a friend like you their entire life. You, as you are right now, an answer to so many prayers. I believe to my core friendship is one of the most precious gifts on the planet. You need friends. You need people in your corner that you can always count on. That is what gets you through anything and everything life throws at you.

A lot of the friendships I have today is because I semi-forced myself into their lives. Hi, that’s me! Haha I called just to talk. I invited them places. Even when they said they couldn’t go, I kept inviting them. I got vulnerable with them. I asked for advice. I was the friend I wanted I have. I found good people and didn’t let them go. I joke around with them and tell them they are stuck with me forever… sorry, not sorry! Really though, how many times have you met someone new and thought,”Gosh, I just want to be her or his friend?” I challenge you to make that friendship happen. Just be brave! They probably think you are pretty cool too!

Remember when I said friendships are a two-way street? The reason I say they aren’t an even two-way street is because sometimes you are going to put in more effort and other times you will take more. Friends are there through it all with no judgement. You love them through every season and life turn. There will be times when you are in different seasons and won’t talk or hang out as much. Just make time for it and give your friends a lot of grace. Everyone has a lot on their plates. A lot. There’s give and take in every relationship and grace is key. Thoughts??

The most special friendships I have grew deep roots when we have been there for each other during tough times. Quite a few of my friends have been divorced. We all agree we would never wish divorce on our worst enemy. It’s the worst. Really, it’s terrible. We have all grown a ton from it. We have all learned about ourselves and have made major strides to properly heal so we don’t drag our nonsense into another relationship. We are all a constant work in progress…you too!

Those friends were answers to my prayers and still are. They are my angels on Earth. They are all different and all so special to me. When you are called to be a friend to someone, be that friend. God is using you for his purpose. He is moving through you to change that person’s life. He is using you to show them his love. Gosh, what a gift! Friend, cherish that calling and step up to the plate! Be there. Your life will be better for it. I promise.

Friendship is precious and something I am so thankful for. It just makes my heart grow and gives me that genuine glow from the inside out. You never know the impact your friendship will have on someones life.

Life is short. Be kind. Be a good person.

Thank you for reading along and spending some of your day with me! Until next time!

Amanda