As I sit here pondering this Independence Day weekend, I find it time to reflect on the past year. Most would do this on New Year’s, Thanksgiving, or their birthday, but this is more of an anniversary for me. Nearly one year ago I made the move to the city to set out on this grand journey of life. The journey of finding my true self has been one I am most happy with. It has had its rough patches, its ups and downs. It has been filled with the comings and, sometimes, goings of friends - new and old alike. As I sit to reflect on this year, I find myself laughing at times, crying at some, and even getting angry. It is sometimes hard for me to believe that I have lived here a year already, and then there are other times it seems like I have lived here a lifetime already.Through this year I have made new friends, reacquainted with old friends, fallen in and out of love and back in again, and I have truly begun to find myself. It is the people in my life that bring me to write this account of independence. Not because of who they are necessarily, but because of who they have helped me to be. Many times through out this journaling experience I write about the people in my life. This is because without the people in my life, I would be nothing more than an empty shell, waiting for fulfillment. The blessings I have gained from the people in my life have more than filled my cup to overflowing. Good and bad times alike have all contributed to this journey and reflecting on them have made me realize even more today who I am, and what a blessing I have in this journey.
As I stated I have met new friends along this journey. Some of these friends are becoming lifelong additions, some just passing acquaintances, and some have already run their course in my life. The blessings these new friends bring to my life are many and varied. They give me hope to carry on, knowing that I will always be able to find someone in this city, in this life, to share this journey with. Looking back over this year of independence, I count the many friends whom I concise lifelong additions as valued treasures. Weather they came into my life at the beginning of this journey, or as recently as the past week, I know these additions are lifelong additions who will always share an important part of this journey. Sadly, I also count those who came in for what seemed to be a lifelong friendship, only to see them part and walk away from this journey for whatever reason.
Two very important friendships were “lost” during this time, and their absence is felt regularly. If you read back to early entries you will recognize these friends and their vital role in my journey. One who is missed an a regular basis was one of my biggest “protectors”, someone who I really thought would be a part of this journey for the long haul. His was a friendship that I counted on to pick me up when I needed some “straight” advice and a “mans” perspective on things. Amazing, though, how a misunderstanding of circumstance can cause a “friend” to tuck tail and run and not be heard from again. The loss of this friendship stings a bit on occasion, but I have learned from it and know that it happened for a reason. The other loss hits me like a ton of bricks when I think about how much this person meant to me (and honestly still does). I found my GBFF to be the one friend whom I could count on for everything. He was the one who made me smile when I was down. He always knew when I needed a lift, and his kind heart and endearing spirit were such a welcome to my life. I thought, of all my friends new and old, he would be the one friend I would always have. I guess I took advantage of the convenience of having him around and suddenly found that he was no longer here. He seemed to just vanish. No kidding, he walked out of my life, and if not for the precious memories I hold, the few photos, and the common friends it would seem as though he was never here. Except, he was here and he left a mark on my life and my heart that will not let his vanish entirely. I miss these friends more than others who have come and gone. These two are ones who I felt would never leave and I would always be able to count on and share with.
Then there are those who are here to stay. The truest of all true friends are those who love you unconditionally through thick and thin, no matter what flaws exist or arrive. These friends are spoken about often in this journal, and they are a huge part of this independence journey. These include my “BEST GIRL (DOLLFACE)”, my “Grace”, my “One and Only”, the “AFF”, the “BFF”, the TTBFF, my children, wonderful parents, grandmother, sister, and “MY GUY”. These are the ones who I know will never leave me. They are a part of this journey now and forever. These along with the other supportive friends and family are the ones who keep me grounded, and guide me to stay in touch with reality throughout all that comes my way. We may have our differences, but we each know that no matter what the disagreement we will always find a resolution and our relationships will not suffer for it. These friendships/relationships are the most treasured as they are priceless. They are irreplaceable and their termination is unfathomable. These are relationships that have and will always stand the test of time, and will never perish, as they are the kind of everlasting relationships that are truly gifts from GOD. GOD blessed me with three wonderfully supportive parents, a loving protective sister, amazing children, and the best support network of friends, and an amazing boyfriend who I know will never leave nor forsake me no matter what storms come through to tear at our bonds.
As I reflect on this journey of independence, I am reminded that each day is a new and promising journey all its own. I know there is so much more out there to take in and so many more who will come along and become a part of the journey. New friends and new relationships occur regularly here in my life. I just hope that I can provide as much to my friends and acquaintances as they do to me. My life is blessed by each person I come into contact with, and I consider myself rich if they stay for a while and join me. Even if their’s is just a small portion of time along with me, I value every second of it. Yes, there are those who I would rather I had never met or had never invited along on any portion of this journey, but that is part of the learning experience. We all have those who come along and make us feel comfortable and draw us into their world for a bit, only to realize they were only there for their own benefit and they were not honest and forthright in their intentions. As those people come in and, eventually, go out we may be angry with ourselves for allowing them in, but we learn from their actions and we become stronger as the journey moves forward. I have had an interesting year, to say the least, and I would not trade a minute of it for anything. I might not like what some people brought to the journey, but what they left behind was a stronger, more aware, more independent man.
I find that I am truly happier today, than I was a year ago, and I plan to be even happier tomorrow than I am today. All of this because of those who bless my life by being a part of the journey. I am happy to take this journey accompanied by the wonderful treasures that have been given to me to spend this time with. As I look forward to the next year of this journey, I look a head with cautious optimism. There are many plans I have for the coming days, months, and years. All of these plans hinge on the existence of the most amazing friendships and relationships one man can have. I have the best. Others may argue, but I know that I have the best, most supportive, most extensive network of family, friends, and supporters. I will put my list up against any, knowing that I am a winner on this journey of independence. Happy Independence Day everyone. Whether it is celebrating the US independence from Great Britain, or your own independence in life, celebrate and reflect on your journey. 
