Doing it right

     There are many steps that people take to become successful.  Some people plan for years, months, weeks or a lifetime.  While success looks different for everyone, I believe that for most people a common thread that defines success means reaching your goals.
     Success for some women means finding your career calling, maybe the love of your life, children if you like them, becoming a pet parent to dogs because they're the best, being in great shape, having great handbags, shoes, lots of great fitting jeans, travelling, enjoying great food, making an impact on the world but most importantly knowing the difference between there/their/they're and to, too and two.  So this is partly one of my definitions of success.
     I have said it numerous times before, I am blessed to have wonderful friends that always inspire and support me in all areas of my life.  This post is dedicated to one of those friends.
   My good friend is more than her career.  She is a person that has been in my life for a very long time, 24 years to be exact.  I have had some very embarrassing moments in my life that I would love to truly erase from my life story and this friend has been a witness to some of my less stellar moments but has never made me feel bad on any level and for that I am truly thankful.
     I have been in contact with this friend as she has traveled the globe.  During her travels this friend seems to never forget about my mother, a woman that has never called her by the correct name, ever.
     My old friend is entering a new stage in her life and I wish her nothing but the best in love and happiness.  She deserves it because she is doing everything right.  When I say she has done everything right in my opinion it means the following:  She has established herself, meaning she knows who she is at all times and is not defined by other's ideas and wishes, she is confident in herself, she has traveled and is proud of where she came from and remains true to those she loves and cares about and she has let love find her and defines it on her own terms.
     There are qualities that all of my friends have that I admire.  I always think that if I were to have a daughter which trait would I pull from each friend for my daughter to have?  From this friend I would like for my daughter to have her tenacity, ambition, fearlessness, determination and her hand eye coordination.   
   This friend will always inspire me ...because she did everything right...isn't that what friends are for, to inspire and uplift us?  I hope that in return I too have been a great friend...

This posting is a belated birthday posting...from June...

Milestones part one

     The other day an old friend posed a question about reaching the age of 35.  The question was a fill in the blank:  By the time a woman reaches the age of 35 she should _________.  There were multiple answers to this question and I have my own view, the following list is in no particular order and is not complete at this time--simply an overview of my thoughts at this time in my life...

     I am a person that believes that you can follow your own life map and plan, don't let anyone else decide your path for you, HOWEVER, I do believe that there are some experiences that should be shared by each and everyone if at all possible.  This list of milestones offers some of the few experiences that I think women of a certain age, not just 35 should share.

1.  By the time a woman is 30 plus she should be comfortable with her own company.  I must clarify this statement, comfortable with your own company, meaning you can be by yourself and not be overwhelmed with the feeling of being alone or labeled a failure by society.  I am completely comfortable with my own company and this is partly because I was raised as an only child and I believe that I am pretty enjoyable to be around, such is life.  

2.  By the time a woman is 30 plus she should have traveled outside of her city, state and if at all possible her country.  Travel is so important on various levels.  I have traveled and I believe that my thinking, outlook on life, tastes and expectations have all been enhanced due to my traveling experiences.

3.  By the time a woman is 30 plus she should truly understand what makes a person a good mate.  Is finding a good mate easy, no...however, people should know that as you get older and want stability if the person that you are with does not want stability or your goals--they may not be the best choice for a mate.  Yes, I know sometimes opposites attract, but not on all levels.

4.  By the time a woman is 30 plus she should have a few solid friendships.  There is no greater feeling than having a few people in your corner in times of good, bad, in between and who simply love you for who you are.

5.  By the time a woman is 30 plus she should have a specialty food that she makes.  Yes, I do believe that all people should know their way around a kitchen, not just women.  I mention food because I believe that nothing builds community and connection like good food.

That's it for now...this is only the beginning of this list.

Comments...thoughts...reflections?

Friends part one

People move in and out of our lives, what's the old saying: People are in your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime.  If a person is lucky they will have the pleasure of having a few good friends in their lifetime.  I consider myself to be a truly lucky person.  I feel that I have six truly wonderful friends.  I am not being boastful, I am just very appreciative. 

One of the greatest people that I know, a true gem of a person and someone that I am honored to call my friend had a birthday yesterday.  Birthdays to me are special and should always be celebrated and this person is a true blessing to everyone that meets her.  I have had many laughs working with this person and then the friendship began.  I am rather snarky sometimes and she gets my humor.  She is always very understanding and supportive, which has always humbled me and this I am thankful for.

I believe that when you truly care about someone you should let them know.  My friend is an artist, she is deadly with a drawing pen and she expresses her feelings of our friendship with her pen...(I on the other hand cannot make any art to save my life, alas I will never be Banksy...)  This year I am returning the compliment to her because of  her always encouraging and kind words this posting is dedicated to her and our friendship that I believe will last a lifetime, not just for a short reason or season.