Still Here

Twenty years ago some of us from our high school graduating class gathered for our friend, J’s [next to me in blue] baby shower. That baby graduated high school a year ago and has moved on into adulthood. It has been twenty years since I last saw some of these ladies.

We met in high school; connected by some common threads. Our paths diverged in life and we went different ways. Our stories were written differently, but had similar themes. We all encountered challenges of varying sorts. Faced common mountains and fought battles alike. Amidst the bitter, we’ve had our own share of sweet. Wonderful moments of high to counter the lows that came our way. Though the years have passed, when we connect it’s just a matter of filling in the stories. We got a chance to do this some weeks ago when four of the five shown here met with our graduating class. We didn’t miss a beat – the story just continued.

Twenty years!! Where did the time go? I think we’ve aged well. Agreed? I think life has been kind to us in many ways. Despite having shed some tears, met some disappointments – we came out on the other side with much to be thankful for. We are still here. In a world of lonely people and we are blessed to have these moments to embrace, talk, and laugh.

So to my girls [and guys😍], let’s make a pact to never do the difficult days alone. Especially if ‘alone’ is not working for you. I think we know where to find each other. It doesn’t have to be a group- just one. Please don’t check out when it gets overwhelming. Our fights are not that different. Maybe I’ve been somewhere that you are now going. My story may help you. When dark days come [and they do], a call to a friend can help.

Choose to love rather than hate. When given the choice- choose forgiveness. Practice letting go when the chapter ends. Choose kindness every time. Know when to rest. The fastest way to burn out is ‘burning the candle at both ends’. Remember, not every question needs to asked. Equally so, you don’t have to say everything you think. Seek peace and pursue it. Take a moment to reflect on the ‘why’ of your life – the purpose. If it seems to elude you at times – I encourage you to go back to the One with the original design. I found that God is always willing to have conversation with His own. He invites us to ‘come now and let us reason together’. Celebrate your wins, regardless of how small they are. Practice gratitude. Be present in each moment you are given and learn to laugh at yourself. Know that you are exactly where you are meant to be – release the ‘what ifs’!

We are not always going to be here, but for now – we are STILL HERE. This is from my heart to yours. 💞💃🏾🎶