Good friends are good self-care.

That’s the thought I’m left with this morning as I watch a friend and colleague walk to his car after spending a few days here at our home.

Or what we affectionately like to call “self-care rehab” .

There are few things more nourishing to me than concentrated time with someone who feels like soul family – a curious, deep thinker who rouses long conversations about life and art and the multi-dimensional nature of reality.

As a young woman, I often felt like a misfit, someone whose curiosity and interests were just outside the lines of normal. I was broody and introspective. I liked silence and space and time to ponder the bigger questions of life and there seemed to be few people around me who shared these interests.

I imagined my friends and family considered me strange.

I did my best to fit into the “acceptable human being mold” by keeping to myself, going along to get along, or helping others in the hopes of gaining entry into the club. But I couldn’t maintain the charade.

It’s painful to live in a perpetual state of containment.

Today I’m no longer willing to spend the precious time I have left on the planet dodging sarcasm, feigning interest in boring topics, or defending my choice to live an examined life.

My standards for healthy friendships have evolved because of the good people I have around me – friends who value personal growth and consciousness, who are able to be vulnerable and open-minded, and who are willing to take responsibility for their own stuff.

Yes, the sheep in my wild and whacky herd (that includes you!) are awesome and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

xo Cheryl

PS – If you need a time out, loving support, and a relaxing, introspective weekend, join us for the next “Self Care by the Sea” scheduled the weekend of April 12^th-14^th.  You can learn more and register, here.

PPS – This week’s Facebook Live will be held on Wednesday (2/20) at 6pm EST/3pm PST. You can watch past sessions on my YouTube channel at CherylRichardsonTV here.

Need a little Divine Direction? Use the “Touch of Grace” button on our homepage here.