Staying occupied…?

Interesting weekend. Mostly good. Even though I had to work half the time, I did find ways to keep my brain occupied, which right now, is a good thing. But holy….it can be exhausting!! Ha ha.

I had the pleasure of meeting up with two friends for coffee and catching up, which is always nice. We shared updates on our families and common experiences of late. The rest of the time I spent on the boat, which is almost always a good thing. But this time it was a bit different. While always enjoyable, again, it was trying to relax and keep my brain engaged at the same time. If you think that sounds like an oxymoron, well, that’s cuz I think it is. Anyway….

I did get the upholstery steam cleaned, everything surface sanitized within and inch of it life and provisions, cloths, bedding etc, but away. The weekend was great weather wise for the most part. Nights were calm and quiet, a bazillion stars out, people sitting around in the big Adirondack chairs by the fire pit in the evening, chatting. It’s a great little community! It was a bit cool though…I had to get up in the middle of the night to turn on the heat. But that is really what you would call a “first world problem”. !!

Once all the “chores” were done and it was quiet, I did have the chance to sit and reflect about a recent conversation. I had lunch with my lawyer last week, who has also become a wonderful friend and ally. We took the time to catch up on things at work, family, other recent events, ya know, just some basic girl talk. But the one thing she has a great knack for is providing a very objective point of view from the outside, i.e. not a member of my “community”. I know I can count on her for anything. She’s the type of friend that will tell you have have something stuck in your teeth if you know what I mean !! LOL.

She can sees things that I can’t. I’m in my own head looking out. She’s on the outside looking in, so to speak. She can see things about me that I can’t and provide a unique perspective. So I was able to reflect on some of her comments based on the topics we chatted about. I am so fortunate to have a friend like that. Because we obviously both have a legal background, we get each other on a professional level. But more importantly, we get each other on a personal level. We know when not to “go there” and not step on each others toes, or violate our individual spaces, but at the same time, are there to encourage, provide our thoughts/insights, and just have a good laugh, usually about ourselves!

Everyone needs a friend like this. I know I can chat about the same topics with other people. Take my sister, for example. We usually talk twice a week for about an hour each time. To say we are very close is a huge understatement. And for the past 2-3 weeks, it’s more like 4 times a week as she is keeping tabs on how I am doing. It’s amazing. She’s my sister, so of course, she’s a bit biased! Which is a good thing….no, a great thing. To have that support and love is awesome.

There are also my friends in my community. We understand what we are going through with respect to transitioning, etc. And don’t get me wrong, that is awesome. We connect on that level. Each of those relationships provide a different perspective. For me though, the “trifecta” is to have that other outside perspective. One that my other friends, not in the community provide. And you know who you are. I so appreciate they are in my life, and I am richer for it. And if I ever needed them, it’s now.

I can only hope that someday, I will be able to return the favour.