I remember one of my friends telling me that she had to spend a long unrewarding weekend in the company of people who had nothing vital to say--they had nothing
to contribute to her life and she wanted to run far away from that setting. Imagine an entire weekend spent with people that are talking but saying nothing. But a greater tragedy would be spending one's existence surrounded by people that have nothing vital to contribute to your life. I know I've grown the most, when I've surrounded myself with insightful friends. Living is an art that includes people that bring out the best in us and add spice to our lives. Erma Bombeck said, "once you get a spice in your home, you have it forever." We should never throw out spices, especially if they are good ones. I feel that same way about my friends. Once you experience the goodness of friends, you never want to throw it away. But the truth be told, there have been seasons when we all have thrown away the goodness of great friendships. Our network of friends enables us or limits us. They can empower us to grow, or stunt our progression. As outgoing as I am, I have always preferred a few very close friends rather than many acquaintances. Over the years, I have met lots of new people and my social network has grown and it has been an enormous blessing. But I have had times when I have spread myself too thin to my own detriment. We all have to get to the point where we stop giving our energy to people that drain us of our vitality I needed to add some spice to my life, the routine was getting to me and my husband knew it. He said go and see some of your "best girls." I went to the ATL this weekend and had a blast! I was surrounded, encouraged, and supported by friends new and old, and one friend I had not seen in more than 20 years. We did what girls do best when men are not present--we had "real talk." Real talk is better and cheaper than therapy and far more enriching. The life that I thought was so bland was infused with my "best spices"...my best girls added some sizzle, zest, and a blazing fire. I have brought that sizzle, zest and fire back home and I am feeling better and stronger. You may not be able to do it for a weekend, but take some time sooner rather than later to renew friendships that make you a better you. SURROUND YOURSELF WITH THE BEST AND ENJOY YOUR BEST SPICES! This is Tuesday talk--I hope you heard me.
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