I went to this great, local function last night. Mojo and mojitos at Mojo Running and Multisport in Mars. A reason to get gals together who like to work out. But these woman are nuts. Crazy in shape. Two-a-days. Swim, bike, run, yoga. I think I'm in shape until I see these women. But it's what they do. It's what interests them, so it rules them. What they do, who they hang out with. Some have kids, some are younger, some are older, but it doesn't matter. They are different, yet this one thing connects them and, for a while, they are the same.
I'm attending an autism seminar today. All of the people in attendance will be there for one reason--they know, love, teach or in someway interact with someone on the autism spectrum. Some will be short, some fat, some married, some not. It won't matter. This one thing, this one event will gather people who may not typically interact because they share a common interest. There will be chit-chat and camaraderie and someone will leave having made a new contact and, most likely, a new friend and ally!
Be it a common cause or interest, church, neighbors or co-workers, we all have groups of friends that, were it not for our circumstances or individual interests, we would never have met them, hung out with them or befriended them.
It's pretty dynamic and interesting. Some of my nearest and dearest were just friends of friends, or I met them in a waiting room (there's actually a group of us!) or our kids go to school together or I work with them or workout with them.
Regardless, it's amazing. Different friends with different experiences all leading to one place for at least a little bit of time.
Whether it is a circumstantial friendship or a long-lasting one, it changes us and moves us forward. We don't give much thought to how we met or where we end up. We are so damn busy taking the journey. Sometimes, it is nice to look around and acknowledge your travel mates--whether they are there for the duration or just until the next stop.
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