Friends are essential to have in life. Without friends we wouldn’t laugh as much, tell deep dark secrets to, cry with, get in trouble with, and especially learn lessons from. Friends are family, most of the time. There are people we call friends that we have never even met but, thanks to social media we can make a connection that feels as though we have been friends forever. I have so many friends on facebook that I have not met, but if I were to meet them, it would feel like I have known them for years. I sell Young Living Essential Oils and have talked to hundreds of people who I have never met, and I still call them my friend. Just like Susan HP, we’ve never met, but from her posts and interactions on facebook, I feel like she is a very kind and sweet woman whom I would love to meet one day.

I believe we meet most of our friends through places we work. Sadly, I have gotten pretty close with some of these friends believing the friendship will last forever. Nieve….yes….but I love the thought. If it wasn’t for social media I probably wouldn’t know what is going on with these particular friends. When I worked at Compass Health while working on my counseling degree, I meet Kimberly M., who I just loved working with. Her love for her children is amazing and I cherish her strength as a single mom. Kimberly taught me to fight for what you believe in, regardless what others think.

I also met a woman whose love, passion, strength and smile captured my heart. Renee R’s heart is so beyond big. Her passion for life shines through the pictures she posts….I love her “Pretty Things” and all the other collages she does on social media, which can brighten anyone’s mood. I learned from Renee that life isn’t always easy, but we are all worriers if we can put our mind to it. I just love her smile (I know I said that already, but her smile is so bright and beautiful.)

I worked in the Emergency Department at Providence in Everett for many many years and to this very day….I loved the co-workers I worked with. Many I am not in touch with anymore, but I always think of everyone with such joy with so many amazing memories and lessons. Kim P, was a coworker whose hair is to die for. Seriously…she has the most beautiful hair and her personality is just as beautiful. Although we never hung out except for at work, her personality is so amazing. When asked to do anything at work, she would with a smile on her face. I learned from her that there is beauty in every animal….even a cow (wink).

I have a friend who I was a mental health counselor with also and Janet E. taught me that it’s ok to be honest with yourself and to others…in time. Her love for herself is amazing. Every single person I know has a story and most hide them. Janet E. was honest with herself and her friends without worrying of being judged. I just love that about her. Even though I blog about life lessons, I still have trouble telling my entire story, but in due time I will…..Just as Janet E. did.

I’m going to end this post with my lessons from Linda D. I know this woman through my husbands family. This lady is in her seventies and has the strength of an elephant (except she is skinny…lol.) Linda D. skies when there is snow on the ground, is an amazing grandma, and no matter what, she always has a smile on her face. I love seeing her because she gives me strength and hope that no matter how old you are, you can do what you want. Heck…she rode a dirtbike last year and bite the dust and still rose and smiled. Man I adore her tremendously.

Ok, one more lesson I have learned from another friend and then I’ll include other life lessons from friends on following posts. Renee A., I have known for over thirty years. Heck, I can’t even remember how long it’s been, but our girls played together all the time and my family and her family spent so much time together. Her laugh is to die for because it is genuine and just makes you love life totally. I learned so much from her throughout our time together. Lessons I wish I would have is her family value strength. I wish I would have remembered to never run away from problems, but work them out. I’m still working on that one, but I do smile at the love her family has for one another and the strength in her marriage.

Friends and family are such a treasure, a treasure some of us take for granite. I have learned so many lessons from friends and family. Look around and learn from your family and friends. Help your friends and family learn lessons from you. I love love love everyone who has come into my life because I have learned lessons from them. Some of those friends used me, but I still love them for the lessons they taught me.

Trust the Journey and Life Lessons,

Alexis