I don’t make resolutions because I just think most people break them. But, as I started to think about what I’d like to focus on in 2015, it occurred to me that I’d really like to make time for my friends and family this year. Life gets busy and it’s too easy to say to loved ones, “Oh, we should get together!” but months slip by without actually making it happen. I don’t want 2015 to be the year of good intentions. I want it to be the year of good times. So, that’s my mission this year.

Two of my best friends, Carla, Alison, and me.

As I’ve been making an effort to make time for my friends and family this year, I find myself reflecting on the friends who have meant so much to me along the way. Some have come and gone. Others have been good learning experiences. Some blindsided me by stepping back when times got hard and proving that there were conditions attached to our friendship. Others stepped up and showed me that they cared more than I realized, ready to stand by my side when I least expected their support. They were definitely a wonderful, unexpected surprise! I’ve had good-time friends that were fun for the moment but those friendships were never really built to last. I feel very fortunate to have many friends that I’ve met in professional settings who have grown to be personal friends of mine. Many have stood by me through many stages of my life and still today.

Of all of my friends, the ones I cherish the most are the ones I know will tell me the truth. While “yes friends” can make me feel good, I can’t exactly count on them when I need to make a tough decision or when I know I’ve messed up. Given the chance, those “yes friends” would ride the one-way train with me all the way to my demise, yelling “woohoo!” all the way.

My truest friends are the ones who will love me through my mistakes while gently advising me about how to fix them. They won’t tell me that everything I do is right. It isn’t. I make mistakes. I say and do things that I wish I hadn’t. I desperately need those friends in my life who I can come clean with and who will say, “Yeah, you messed up but I still love you and here’s how you can find your way out of this situation.” I believe we all need these friends in our lives- the ones who will love us while still holding us accountable to do the right thing, keep us true to who they know we really are, and help us stay on the path to being the best that we can be. They still see the good in us, even when we’re screwing up and even when we don’t see it in ourselves.

Fun with my friends Tami, Amy, and Teresa.

I’m not sure who said it but I love the quote, “If you’re the smartest person in the room, you’re in the wrong room.” I know that’s true of my friends. I love to surround myself with people who make me better. They’re smart, beautiful, amazing, talented, kind, caring, funny, and so much more. I can’t wait to see as many of them as possible this year. So, to all of my friends who have been there and in one way or another, have made my life more interesting, thank you. I truly appreciate each and every one of you. Now, who’s free for drinks/lunch?

Happy Trails,