Reflections (Part II) - Relationships

"Later that day I got to thinking about relationships. There are those that open you up to something new and exotic, those that are old and familiar, those that bring up lots of questions, those that bring you somewhere unexpected, those that bring you far from where you started, and those that bring you back. But the most exciting, challenging and significant relationship of all is the one you have with yourself. And if you find someone to love the you you love, well, that's just fabulous." - Carrie, Sex and the City

Being here has made me realize just how important relationships are. It's not where on this earth you are, its who you surround yourself with that really matters. I'm so lucky to be surrounded by the most supportive and loving network of friends and family that a girl could ask for.

I never realize this more strongly than when I'm away. Being across the world sure shows you who your real friends are. It's a great way to weed out old friendships that have passed their expiration date. I realize this statement maybe makes me seem a bit heartless, but really, it's the opposite. I think it's important to surround yourself with supportive, positive people. Many times, people hold on to toxic relationships way too long. I'd rather cultivate a few real friendships than be superfical friends with many. Any friendship that can remain strong around the globe is something to be cherished.

I've been so fortunate to be able to keep in touch with everyone from home so easily. We're so lucky to live in this day and age. I haven't had a serious bout of homesickness yet. It's almost impossible to miss home when corresponding with friends and family is so overwhelmingly easy. I can't imagine how hard it would be to be here without contant contact with my loved ones back home. Really, how did people live before email??

The relationships I have with my family are also something that I hold very dear to me. I think I do a pretty good job of recognizing how wonderful they are even when I'm home, so this isn't so much a realization as just a word of thanks. I've had multiple people comment, within moments of meeting me, "So you're pretty close to your family, huh?". I sing their praises on a daily basis. Practically everyone on this continent knows and can't believe my mom and I email on a twice-daily basis. They've all seen Shani's grad pics, and they all know about Tanny and hair school. Sunshine's first swim video was the hit of the office. Everyone has heard about the Ryder Lake Hotel going out of business. My family is in my thoughts on such a regular basis that I don't really feel like I'm apart from them at all. In a way, its almost nicer being away from home, because then we can really appreciate each other without the daily irritations ("You stole my shirt"/"Clean up your dishes") that distract from how much we really do love and value each other!

Lastly, since this note involves relationships, I suppose I should note on the romantic aspect of things. It's funny. I've always been one of those people who is always in a relationship. Not in a trashy way. Completely the opposite, really. I am so completely a long-term relationship person. I just have never seen the point of dating someone that you can't see a future with. There have only been a few brief periods that I've been single since I was about 14 years old and had my first "boyfriend" (I use that term loosely, since those close to me know the heart-shattering end to that story! Haha!).

This summer marks the longest, most steadfastly single period of my life since that point. I wonder if it's any coincidence that this summer also marks the happiest period of my life. I am the type of person who will fall in love with someone based on my perception of their highest potential, instead of truly appreciating who they really are. This, unfortunately has resulted in more than my fair share of heart-ache. It's strange, I used to consider being single to be the scariest, most lonely thing I could imagine. Now, I'm not only getting used to it, but truly valuing it. I consider this realization one of the biggest life improving lessons I've learned here about myself. Not only am I ok alone, but it's nice to be able to put my feelings first for a change, instead of constantly striving and worrying about someone elses feelings instead of my own. Truly, finding a boyfriend at this point is so low on the priority list. Sure, if the right guy came along, I wouldn't let the opportunity pass by, but it's not something I'm actively seeking. And that feels so empowering. I'm sure the right guy for me is out there, and when the time is right, it'll fall into place. Ahhhh. Breathing in. Breathing out. Serene. Happy.

So that covers family, friends, and romance. As the quote at the beginning indicates, the most important relationship you have is with yourself. And I want to comment on that, but it'll come later...closer to the end of this experience. The thoughts are still bumbling around in my head, final conclusions on what I've learned about myself are still coming together. But I can't wait to share even more things I've learned about myself. Stay tuned!

-Delaney xo