To my circle, my sisters, the women who lift me up when I feel like I can't stand on my own, I say thank you.
I'm sure you have all heard the clichés. I keep my circle small, no new friends, and ain't nobody messing with my clique, and while yes these make me cringe, I can't help but smile and think of my friends when I hear them.
It's so rare that you find people who grow with you, who support you in every phase of life and love every part of you unconditionally. The fact that I can even say I have that! Wow. It is one of, if not the most comforting, consistent, and stable set of relationships I have in my life.
My circle is more than just friendship, its family. This is where I go to cry and laugh at the same time. Where I go to share my most corny jokes and deepest fears. I am so lucky to know them.
There are days when the world feels heavy when life's burdens feel like there are too much to carry, and those are the things that most people don't want to share with their friends.
Vulnerability is a scary thing, to say the least, but believe me, they want to know. My circle got me through my parents' divorce, heartbreak in every form, and let me express my feelings when the weight of existing seemed to be too much.
Platonic intimacy was definitely foreign to me, but I've realized how important it is. In the last year, I hugged and kissed my friends more. I tell them I love them every chance I can cause why the hell not, it's the truth.
My friendship with them gives me the ability to know myself better, the freedom to be who I am, and a love I didn't know I needed. Family isn't always blood and it isn't always the people you grew up with.
Sometimes, family is the girl you met at a cheer tryout in 9th grade or your English class in 10th. It's the girl who hosted a sleepover you showed up to as someones plus one. These friendships had a very humble beginning and I'm confident they'll have no end.
I don't call them my friends from home because they aren't FROM there, it's what they are...they are my home. I hope everyone has people they can be their complete selves around, soul bare and arms wide open. As a little girl, you think your soulmate is also your Prince Charming. Who knew I'd find mine in the hearts of 3 girls.
My Circle, My Sisters, My Home.
