finding love again

The Buddhist's Society's litter picking event

This post is dedicated to my friends at the Buddhist society. Most of our friendship was spent online due to the pandemic, but before the pandemic began, I struggled with making connections and doubted if I could find sustainable friendships. I regularly closed myself to others often, and didn't know how to be private because I yearned for connection. When I first tried reaching out more, I was very shy, emotional and timid with being in a new group.

Watching the sun set on Bole Hill, with a few drinks

It's been so cool, however, to begin opening up in better, more constructive ways. Alongside self-care, journaling and meditation, I have found that a consistent love coming from the same group of people has helped me see myself as a more whole and valued person.

Our first event, the beginning of our friendship, a week before lockdown

On Kinder Scout!

Suzie and Lauren: you are the most inspiring female friends I have had in my life. You have made me feel so feminine with your soft and radiant energy, and I am thankful that I get to experience my youthful 20s with women like you. Your experiences and ways of thinking are so interesting and energising. I found that, the more I felt valued by other women my own age, the more I saw my own self as a whole and complete woman on her own, too. Your advice and support for me is far more motivating and reassuring than any other experience I have had at university.

Opening up

When talking to all of you, I finally feel like I'm being understood. I love how each and everyone of you state your own values clearly, and it leads me to be inspired to uphold my own, too. This feeling is better than any relationship I've ever had, because it is stable and wholesome.

Finding friendship and feeling respected

 

 

Thank you for a whole year of friendship, Buddsoc. I have learned what it is to have deep friendship with respect and boundaries from being with you. I have learned that it is ok to feel vulnerable and it is possible to heal with time and support. I smile with my heart a lot more now, and feel listened to within my life. I am truly honoured to be part of this friendship group and I hope that our experiences together will always rest on my heart. You have taught me that I can have long lasting friendships, even though sometimes things get rocky in my life. And the more I experience your patience, the less rocky my life appears to be. 

 

Much love,

Elise