Reflections on Friends
There are times in life when I have felt alone and isolated within the confines of life circumstance. You know, when there are things going on that put me in self-centered fear that I am the only one like myself, everyone else is different. I believe my terminal uniqueness sets me up to isolate and not reach out to others. I believe there are hopes that become dashed like the wind blowing out a candle. I believe expectations at times set me up to feel extreme disappointment. I believe there is much to put me at risk for turning inward.
Some days, I long for the intimacy that acts as cement holding a brick home together. These longings are not easily satisfied. The demonstration
I have witnessed of friends in my life reminds me that I never need to be alone. If I am longing for intimacy, all I need to do is reach out to those I know and want to know better. The ones who are intimates in my life are aware of my struggles. I don't need to inform them every time I connect with them of my struggles. What I do, though, is remind them how grateful I am they are in my life. And if they ask, well I let them know exactly how it is I am doing.
Family has been an important backbone of the intimate structure in my life which helps me maintain my a healthy outlook. I have learned that without the solid support my family has offered, I would not have had the opportunity to have the quality of life I am experiencing today. My family is about to grow by two more little individuals entering our life. What a blessing to have this opportunity. I am so grateful.
II have learned the importance of simply enjoying time with friends, family, and even 
professional supporters in my life. We all are in this boat together. Without the love I have been offered, I would not have had the opportunities I have in my life today. So much used to cause me pain. Now, I can honestly say, so much brings me joy. And, joy is perhaps the most brilliant emotion I can feel. I am so grateful to be at a place in my life where I feel joy 90% of the time and 10% of the time I am working toward at once again experiencing joy. The challenge to attain joy is not difficult. It appears to be an instinctual craving for a better inner quality of life.
I suppose I try and focus on what I have and not what I have not. I have much to be grateful for in my life when I take the time to remember. So much of life is perspective. My glass is half filled, and I perceive my glass is half full. I value the simple acknowledgement that I would not be the same individual would it not be for the significant people in my life.