A Genuine Connection II

An evening with friends.

Today’s entry might arrive a bit later than expected, as I woke up about two hours behind my alarm. On the nightstand beside me rests a warm cup of golden turmeric & ginger tea, sweetened with a hint of agave, accompanied by a plate of Nilla cookies.

I had contemplated writing this entry last night after returning from a much-needed girl’s evening with two close friends. However, moments after settling in at home, heavy eyelids won, and I surrendered to the call of a cozy night's sleep, only to be disrupted by the sound of my alarms this morning.

Naturally, I must acknowledge that this marks the first time since my injury in October that I’ve been able to go out and spend time with friends. The frigid weather has kept most of us in a state of hibernation, coupled with routine doctor visits revealing my foot healing but persistent small aches and pains. Add to that the weight of a heavy workload until just a few days ago, and time with friends became a fickle, unevenly distributed, and often elusive luxury.

By Chidinma Nnoli,

“In the past thirty days, my world has condensed to a bed wrapped in a comforter, carrying the aroma of burnt maple and ginger. This scent lingers due to my daily breakfast routine—oatmeal with peanut butter, maple syrup, banana slices—sometimes accompanied by the occasional mishap of spilling ginger tea every other day.” From, ‘Stillness’, written November 26

When I first sustained the injury, I never anticipated it would chip away at three months of my life, letting my favorite season slip away as time trickled by. Yet, that's precisely what happened. There were moments when I accepted it, believing the pause was necessary, a transformative interlude. Other times, it felt unjust—a sudden detour disrupting the carefully planned route of life. Nevertheless, I count myself fortunate because the community I've carefully curated over the last year or two played a pivotal role in helping me navigate this period.

In our conversations, a simple check-in was always guaranteed. There wasn't a moment where I didn't know there were people I could lean on, cry to, or be vulnerable with. Amidst those individuals were two companions with whom I spent my evening, offering unwavering support.

They've been consistent figures in my entries, appearing both individually and as a duo (well, with myself included, I suppose we're a trio), always providing unwavering support and camaraderie. Although I've known them since our youth, it's only in adulthood that our relationships have flourished, creating a warm, open, and expressive synergy.

I've heard that friendships developed in adulthood often deepen, and in our case, that rings undeniably true. It's ironic because the complexities we've experienced throughout life make forging friendships in adulthood a bit more challenging. Trusting, opening up, and navigating shared experiences become a little harder. Even when the desire is there, moments arise where vulnerability feels like a high wire act. Yet, despite these challenges, we managed to do it.

Spending the evening together, we laughed and reminisced over fruit bowls, charcuterie boards, soft drinks, and card games designed to strengthen our bonds. Not once did our time together feel forced or uncomfortably vulnerable. We freely shared some of our greatest fears, supporting each other while articulating our loftiest aspirations. In those moments, we lifted each other up, our words flowing quietly yet powerfully, akin to the calmness of still water, with affirmations filling each of our hearts.

“Reflecting on those who stood by you during your best moments, those who vanished during your worst, and those who remained present through it all adds a new perspective to the situation.” From, A Genuine Connection, written October 15

I've previously explored the intricacies of connection, and you've witnessed my journey in navigating the evolving, unraveling, and transforming dynamics of relationships. Today, I won't dwell on that, and this entry won't unveil any major revelations. Instead, I write today's entry to express that we're officially in the month of love and romance – but also a month of reflection, renewal, and rediscovery.

As we embrace the aura of love that surrounds us, it's also an opportune time to look inward, contemplate personal growth, and rediscover the facets of ourselves that may have been overshadowed by the hustle of daily life.

After three months, my world is finally starting to fill with glimpses of normalcy. The persistent challenges that marked this period are gradually giving way to moments of healing, progress, and a renewed sense of optimism. The echoes of laughter, the warmth of shared moments, and the simple joys that were momentarily overshadowed are making a comeback.

I hope we all experience a beautiful month, filled with moments of joy, connection, and warmth. May the love you seek find its way to you, manifesting in various forms and bringing fulfillment to every facet of your life.

See you on the 18th!

Best,

S