The Framily Plan

Some days, I am simply overwhelmed with love and gratitude.

It truly amazes me how lucky I am to have amazing friends. They are the coolest twentysomebodies out there, hands down.

There is Jacob, who just left his home-state, which means the world to him, to have a go in Washington. We have never lived in the same area (or side of the country), and I can't express how exciting it is to have him just minutes away. Jake and I met in New Orleans in 2007, and I have been in love with him ever since.

At the same event, I met the brother of my soul, Stephen, who is currently in Kenya working for a community development non-profit. He is one of the smartest, kindest, and most fearless people I know. We have gone months without speaking, years without seeing each other, but he is always there when I need him.

And then there is Jerrod, who I haven't seen for months despite the fact that we live in the same town, but when my husband snuck me into his office today, he made my day with a big hug. He has the most stupefying singing voice; if he's not famous by thirty, I'll eat my hat.

And Spencer, who checked on me about ten times during the last week, as we were laying my grandfather to rest. His sensitivity and thoughtfulness are unmatched.

On days like this, I realize how broad and strong my framily web is. I have people that love me all over the

country. There are Ken in Nevada, Shea and Gregg in Pittsburgh, Dave and Beau in West Virginia, Feliz in New York, and Skye and Meghan close to home. Not to mention the best friend that I married. It's so grand. My love has a massive reach! How can you ever feel alone in a world like this?

Of all the blessings I count, my friends never fail to make me feel like the luckiest girl on Earth.

I've been contemplating the characteristics that make individuals unique: the damage, the struggles, and the dispositions that come to define us. I've always had weird hang-ups about family, and often I directed that affection toward my friends. Maybe it's the control freak in me, but this has always been my tendency because I chose them. They are rock stars, they are the family I built around me. 

Many Buddhist teachers say that you must know suffering to know peace, but I think we can find awakening in our happiness, too. When we are grateful and happy, we can better appreciate the people that are ours. The people we choose shape us, define us, pick us up, and should benefit from our happiness. Give someone special a call today. Next time you are joyous, invite them to share in your joy.