friends – Jennifer Thomson

May 26, 2014February 24, 2015

Mean People

Let’s just be real for a second.

There are some ~~shitty~~ less-than-awesome people in this world. I mean, I’m sure they occasionally have intentions of being cool, but it’s just not working out. The bad news, is that these certain people will hurt you at some point. They’re going to break your heart and they’ll crush your dreams. Some of them might be capable of tearing you down and ripping you apart, while others might just shatter your complete faith in humanity. All of these things that may happen (and likely will happen) might not be on purpose, but they usually occur because there are people who just need to make others feel like garbage so that they can feel better about their unhappiness.

However it happens and when it does, it’s going to suck. It might last for a little while, or it could actually suck really bad for a long time.
It’ll make you angry and frustrated. If you’re anything like me, you’ll want to throw things and scream into pillows. You’ll feel the need to cry, pout, sulk, and just be miserable because you can. Ice cream or a stiff drink (or two) might make things temporarily better. I’m sure you’ll find your own vices to numb the pain – and that’s perfectly fine.

You’re going to feel pretty crappy, even if it’s just for a brief moment. Luckily, it’s not the end of the world. I promise you.

No matter how many times a handsome jerk/pretty girl breaks your heart or a(nother) self-centred ~~bitch~~ [fe]male talks smack behind your back. Regardless of how often people lie to your face, ruin friendships, and let you down. Despite the fact that people continuously prove their crappy personalities and morals…

THERE ARE GOOD PEOPLE IN THIS WORLD.

I’ve experienced my share of heart breaking and head aching moments, caused by people who obviously didn’t care about my feelings. And just when I started to get down on myself and almost start believing that maybe it was my own fault, I was saved.

I’ve realized that for all the uncool people I’ve let into my life, there’s several amazing people just waiting to be a great friend to me. For every single person who’s walked out of my life, another person with a big heart and lots of love to share is always there – waiting to hug me and remind me how I deserve better. And for every time I thought that my life was over because someone left me in the dust, I realize that I’m still here, alive and smiling, even though they’re long gone and pretty much forgotten.

The truth is that you’re going to get hurt; it’s a part of life.
But for every time you do, remember this:

1) You’re better than those ~~assholes~~ people.

2) You’re an incredible human being, with so much potential and worth. You deserve to be happy.

3) There are too many people who truly love, adore, and worship you. Remember who they are, and be grateful for them. Keep them close.

Don’t let mean people get to you. Just let it go, and keep doing your thing – you wonderful person, you.

October 14, 2013October 14, 2013

Love and Thanks.

We should always spend a little time to reflect on the reasons we have to smile, but Thanksgiving is a special occasion to devote a little bit of extra gratitude to the little things that make our life a happier one.

For the first time in 2 years, I don’t have to board a plane or drive for hours just to be with the people I adore the most; for that, I’m incredibly grateful. But aside from waking up in my own bed, in the city I’ve loved all my life – this year during the most humble holiday of the year…

I’m most thankful for love.

Before you think this is going to turn into some sappy post about the love of my life and some guy who swept me off my feet – don’t worry it’s not. Because although I’m a huge hopeless romantic and usually get wrapped up in that cheesy, love of my life kind of stuff (and I am thankful to have found ‘love-love’ this year) I’m actually talking about the unconditional, raw, and genuine love from friends, family, and random strangers.

I’m thankful for family members who call me just to make sure I’m okay and to tell me that they miss me, for cousins who might as well be my brothers, and for aunts/uncles who play the role as my parents because they love me as their own.

I talk about being an only child all the time, but it’s not entirely true, and I’m grateful to have a half siblings that I can turn to when I need to – despite the fact that there’s a huge distances between where we live, our age, and our personalities. It’s cool to know that even though our lives have always been completely separated, we can still be a family and love each other as so.

I consider myself extremely lucky to have met some of the most compassionate, wonderful, and authentically beautiful human beings on the planet. Even better, is that I get to call them my friends.

I’m thankful to have good people with good hearts, who hold my hand and let me lean on their shoulder when I need it the most. I’m so happy to know people who don’t judge me on my flaws, encourage my better qualities, and who believe in me more than I sometimes believe in myself.

I’m grateful for old friends who found their way back into my life and made it better, and to random strangers who wiggled their way into my heart. There’s also certain, very special individuals who love me against all odds and dramatic life events – and I’m glad you’re here.

Every day, I feel overwhelmed with the love I’m offered by all sorts of different, amazing people in my life. Girls, guys, mentors, kindred souls and fellow warriors who dish out the best hugs, the most valuable advice and who stand behind me no matter my mood. They’re the people who sit with me when I’m sad, let me be mad, and force me to smile when I need a good reminder of how awesome this life is.

Life is a whole lot more beautiful because the love I share with so many incredible human beings. I hope you all know who you are – and I thank you for sharing a little bit of your hearts.

I’ve definitely got a soft spot for every single one of you in mine.

February 12, 2013February 13, 2013

Family.

While BC celebrated their very first “Family Day” this month, I was unfortunately spending the day in Edmonton – away from my own family for the second year in a row (I was in Edmonton during Alberta’s family day last year). After spending the past two years living in towns and cities that are distanced from the city I call home (Vancouver), I find myself more appreciative of the fact that I have the family I do – both blood related and non.

My real family – the people I share common blood with – are the most loving, caring and nurturing people I know. They’re funny and understand the importance of enjoying eachother’s company, but they’re also intelligent and dedicated to using their knowledge to make something of themselves in this world. They’re a great influence on me, and they encourage me to give my very best to everything I do.

But I’m also lucky enough to have a family of friends – who I’ve found along my journey of growing up and bouncing around between jobs and cities. People who were once random strangers, have become the most crucial and important people in my life. I couldn’t imagine my life without them and I love them as if they were truly a part of my family. They make me a better person, because they push me to follow my heart and find happiness. They take care of me and protect me – not because they have to, but because they want to. It’s a mutual feeling of honest love that we share, and I couldn’t be more grateful.

I know that family members can sometimes be extremely irritating or bothersome, and that some friendships can be dramatic or frustrating at times – but at the end of the day, these are the people who contribute to the awesome-ness of your life. So just remember to be real, be genuine and give them the best you can. They deserve it, and so do you.

And even though Family Day might be over, don’t forget to give your loved ones an extra tight squeeze, a big wet kiss, and a great reminder of how grateful you are to have them in your life.