Who shows up for you? Some people aren’t meant to linger in our lives. They pass through, leaving a trail or an echo. Sometimes without warning, they’re gone. Chance encounter? Short term, mutual benefits? It happens. But…
I worry about the increasingly popular ‘work family’ conflation. This article is appealing on that topic. Truth? Work friends may never be more than that and investing ‘as if’ may be destructive in the long term – stage-setting for grief and loss when work relationships end. They do. It’s work.
Worse? The overuse of ‘family’ lingo can be a manipulation; playing on emotions to push productivity: Author Eleanor Tweddel: “The layering of ‘family’ creates an expectation of maybe going the extra mile, tolerating each other no matter what, in this together.”
Whether work-related or personal, opening yourself up to others is an unfolding, at best, and it takes time. Especially for those of us who identify as introverts and relish the opportunities for depth as we explore relationships. It’s okay to be pragmatic and enjoy the sharing, learning, laughing without worrying about labels, definitions or duration.
I love thinking about those who’ve moseyed through my work and personal life. Not regretfully but with gratitude. Life is wonderful in the randomness of it all. And yet…I imagine every person on my path is/was there for a reason, even if it’s beyond my comprehension.
Spending a few minutes considering who we let in…and who we can let go of…is time well-spent. Especially if you feel out of balance. Lots of giving…little in return? Hmm….time to ponder. I’ll be right there with you, doing the same.
Take care!
-Vicki ❤
Victoria Ponders 
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