A Toast to Good Company

Put a finger down if you’re empathic. Put a finger down if you give more than you take. Put a finger down if you’re the person everyone comes to for advice or to vent, and they basically talk at you instead of to you.

If you put a finger down for all of those things, then you’re in the right place- also, we’d be great friends. I am the person that everyone goes to for help, yet I never give myself permission to seek outside of myself when I need a Maryann to vent. I rarely ask myself what I need because I’m too busy making everyone else is okay.

The other day I was rehearsing my podcast with one of my classmates, who has become a dear friend. As I listened back to our rehearsal, I witnessed myself opening up so deeply in ways no one else in my life has gotten to experience. I started crying, and my heart was so filled with love. I finally met someone just like me who makes sure every crevice of my heart is nourished. I never knew what that felt like. My guard was completely down in our conversation, and my thoughts flowed out unapologetically while she listened, really listened, without judgment.

She’s probably the first person besides my therapist to ask me…how did that make you feel? Are you proud of yourself? Do you see how far you’ve come?

This is what a nourishing friendship feels like. They act as your mirror to remind you how incredible you are, check-in with your feelings, and encourage you to keep going.

I am grateful to recognize this is exactly the kind of friendship I need in my life. I’m very lucky to have deepened friendships in this same way with a few others in my life the past year.

Surround yourself with people who shower you with the same pieces of yourself you give to others. Surround yourself with people who care about you. Surround yourself with people who take a moment out of their day and ask you how you feel.

Sincerely,

Mary

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