The Moments that Broke Me, Were the Moments that Saved Me

After my Tuesday trip to Chicago was cancelled Monday night, my week suddenly opened up to a number of incredible opportunities. Simply another reason to believe in going with the flow.  I had the chance to connect with some incredible people who have touched my life in ways I can never repay. Much like I do in love, I had the chance to reflect on my relationships with friends this time. 

Wednesday I had lunch with Mieka, a friend who came into my life when I revisited my Yoga Practice a few years ago. Mieka has been a spiritual guide, source of light, inspiration and healing to me these past few years. She is without a doubt one of the soul mates I write about. From the moment we met, I knew she would play an important role in my life.  Over lunch we had the chance to reflect on both of our lives over the course of our friendship. Where we were, and where we are now. Mieka was absolutely instrumental in helping me finally connect with the real me. She taught me presence, acceptance, forgiveness, and the ability to simply be.

Wednesday night I had dinner with Lindsey. Yes, another soulmate. We met through a mutual friend a few years ago. From the second we passed up the handshake and opted for a hug, I felt that same connection. I couldn’t pin it. Over an amazing dinner at Buca we both recalled how far we’d come since we’d met. We laughed over silly dates and heartaches. 

Thursday marked the beginning of a new chapter in the friendship of my lifelong best friend Julia and I. She recently relocated back to the city after living abroad for almost 6 years. We shared dinner in an intimate restaurant in Yorkville, the perfect setting as we caught up on each other’s lives, and began new dreams for our year ahead.  Julia has been through it all. The ups and downs, the heartaches and some of the best moments of my life. There is always a story to remember when we get together. But this night was special. Instead of just remembering the past, we talked about where and who we are today. There are no secrets between us, we are both free to be perfectly imperfectly ourselves. 

I had met both Mieka and Lindsey at a very difficult time in my journey. They allowed me to be that person, and stood by as I healed, grew and became the woman I am today. Julia simply stayed true through all of it. These friendships have shown me the value of having the people in your life with whom you can simply be yourself. They gave me the support I needed to heal the broken spots in my life, and I am stronger and more grateful than ever.

I cannot help but reflect and be grateful for the moments that broke me, those were the moments that saved me. They changed me.

We’re stronger in the places we’ve been broken. ~Ernest Hemingway