Friends

I really do thank God for my friends and family. I tend to do this moreso when I read about the lives of others who have encountered some misfortune in their lives, however, the purpose of this post is not to depress people.

I just wanted to blog about the lovely social afternoon and evening that I had today. Yes - it is the first day back at work for the working week, but something I have promised myself this year, is that I would make more of an effort to reconnect with friends and to nurture other friendships.

I have the tendency to retreat into my little world (as extroverted as people think I am) which means that I don't have a lot of time to do much else. I do this well because I enjoy my work so much - so it is easy for me to become consumed with the day to day aspects of my job.

This year I have decided to focus more on nurturing friends and family. I have also decided it is time to focus more on doing things that I enjoy, but for the past two years, have put aside because of work. I was acutally very surprised to see how much I have given up for the last couple of years. It made me realise that at some times, I was living to work, rather than my mantra of working to live.

In any case, after some reflection and contemplation, I decided that I needed to come to a better balance between work life and personal life... and I think I am getting there.

Today I went to a friend's place for afternoon tea. How delightful it was to see about 15 former colleagues all together! (Interesting to note that none of them were in my former department)

We talked about work, about life and just enjoyed each other's company. It was like I hadn't left. That is the second 'work' reunion I have had this year, so I am very pleased with myself.

Tonight I had dinner with a friend, with someone I work with at my current place of employment. We both love teaching and learning and we both love to talk about US politics and learning and behaviour theories. Pen is such a great friend too. We have got to know each other much better and meeting away from work means we don't need to talk 'shop.'

I have to say that I am pleased with my efforts thus far. I have had so many social gatherings (outside of the gatherings I would normally attend) In saying that, I have already begun to read more this year. I am not sure where this time has come from, but it is a welcome addition.

I hope that you find time to do the things that you love as well!