And I do believe that you should spend time with people in the same fields as you, but I’ve now found that through writing groups and reading clubs—connections are still being made, networking is still happening, but life feels much fuller without surface level or transactional “friendships.”
I agree with all this. It is ok to have creative friends but not to seek them out just for that purpose alone. You can have a friend who just so happens to be creative or one who isn’t.
The part about staying true to who you are and not seeking acceptance or being part of certain circles because of what others have resonates with me, because I believe in that. I want authentic and genuine friendships, so I don’t attach myself to people to avoid fake or forced connections that seem opportunistic. I don’t have a large group of friends, and I don't surround myself with people for their status or to use them. I do have three or four God-fearing friends who are my roots. Sometimes, I wonder if I should have connected more in college and built better relationships for certain opportunities, but I’m always reminded that God is intentional with everything He does. You encounter those meant to be part of your journey at the right time.
Additionally, I think it’s important to be the kind of friend you wish to have and to show up as that person. I’ve been reflecting on this because someone mentioned that two of my friends call me their best friend, but I don’t see us as such. Even though they are my roots, they told me I treat everyone equally. Yes, I am kind, go out of my way, and show up for them. I do certain things just because I am nice, but when you’re labeled as a best friend, there are special privileges and treatment that come with that, which I need to consider!
What also stood out to me is that we have special people in our lives—those who may not be in our direct work or career field but still add value to our lives. That’s a really good point because my friends does drop gems and point out things I may not see. It made me give grace to my partner. I feel like I wish my partner would show up in so many ways, and that’s not fair to him. I should accept the advice and ideas he offers without pressuring him to do or say more, because it’s not his lane.
THREE is more than enough! I had to learn the hard way and I'm so happy you're blessed with some good ones, too! I used to wonder the same, I was connected in college but many of those friends & I grew apart after graduation. But everything really does happen for a reason! & I absolutely agree with "it’s important to be the kind of friend you wish to have and to show up as that person"!! + I also "struggled" with wishing my husband would be more "creative" and I'm realizing now he's exactly what I need! We balance eachother and he deserves to be seen and loved and supported for who he is!
Thank you for sharing this piece. I would say that I too have been wanting friendship and was willing to look for it anywhere lol [except for creatively]. But, I am coming to the understanding its good to nurture the friends I do have with the time I have with them. That concert looks like a good time. I kind of hide my creativity because it's not something I want to let people into fully. But all in all, this post was good as it reminded me creativity can be pulled from so many parts of life!
Yes on nurturing good friendships!! They are hard to come by these days and it's a blessing to have such wonderful people in our lives!! Also, I feel you with hiding your creativity! I hid stuff for so long (and asked family not to watch my social media videos) that my mom is JUST realizing that I "write for real... like as a job" she says! LOL You'll start feeling when its safe to share and who its safe to share with. Some things are still being developed between just you and God!
This was a refreshing read. I don’t have a lot of friends, but most of my close friends are non-creatives and I’ve known them for more than twenty years. The creative and artist friends I do have are people I met before social media, and now I’m starting to make newer creative friends who find me through YouTube. I do sense a transactional element with some of them though. A few reach out saying they want to be friends, but what they really want is to pick my brain. I don’t mind sharing what I know, but I would prefer if they were upfront about it.
I have been struggling with wanting more creative friends because I feel so alone in that regard and I want someone to just get me and have someone to bounce ideas around with. However, this has helped me realize that it’s okay if I have friends that have no idea about the world I am in. To the little group I do talk about the world I’m in, they have helped me to always stay true to myself and not worry about “the right way to do things” and just keep it simple. And to remember the impact I want to have and why I’m in this in the first place. I need to give them more grace for not thinking like me and wanting more from them. I have been thinking about starting to go to networking events to find those creative friends and not putting that pressure on my family and friends.
I actually don't have a lot of friends, but the friends that I have are creative in their own ways lol. One is analytical while the other is an artist per se, for me, I just like trying all creative things! But I do get the fact that friends are important, especially where you are nurturing each other where you are and also where you need to be, seeing the best in you. I think that is the desire of everyone, to have people understand you for you who you are. I think that is why I love how GOD loves us for who we are, knowing that we are His, and His love does not change for us. He sees the best in us and wants us to "be". And those true friends that have been there, as we give and they give, nurture our growth. I think that's is where the sharpen iron comes from as well.
And I do believe that you should spend time with people in the same fields as you, but I’ve now found that through writing groups and reading clubs—connections are still being made, networking is still happening, but life feels much fuller without surface level or transactional “friendships.”
I enjoyed reading this... as always! Thank you!
My pleasure!! Cheers to good friends, no matter the job title!!!
I agree with all this. It is ok to have creative friends but not to seek them out just for that purpose alone. You can have a friend who just so happens to be creative or one who isn’t.
Exactly! Yes! It's their heart that matters! And vice versa -- being that friend with a loving heart, nomatter what season I'm in, too.
The part about staying true to who you are and not seeking acceptance or being part of certain circles because of what others have resonates with me, because I believe in that. I want authentic and genuine friendships, so I don’t attach myself to people to avoid fake or forced connections that seem opportunistic. I don’t have a large group of friends, and I don't surround myself with people for their status or to use them. I do have three or four God-fearing friends who are my roots. Sometimes, I wonder if I should have connected more in college and built better relationships for certain opportunities, but I’m always reminded that God is intentional with everything He does. You encounter those meant to be part of your journey at the right time.
Additionally, I think it’s important to be the kind of friend you wish to have and to show up as that person. I’ve been reflecting on this because someone mentioned that two of my friends call me their best friend, but I don’t see us as such. Even though they are my roots, they told me I treat everyone equally. Yes, I am kind, go out of my way, and show up for them. I do certain things just because I am nice, but when you’re labeled as a best friend, there are special privileges and treatment that come with that, which I need to consider!
What also stood out to me is that we have special people in our lives—those who may not be in our direct work or career field but still add value to our lives. That’s a really good point because my friends does drop gems and point out things I may not see. It made me give grace to my partner. I feel like I wish my partner would show up in so many ways, and that’s not fair to him. I should accept the advice and ideas he offers without pressuring him to do or say more, because it’s not his lane.
THREE is more than enough! I had to learn the hard way and I'm so happy you're blessed with some good ones, too! I used to wonder the same, I was connected in college but many of those friends & I grew apart after graduation. But everything really does happen for a reason! & I absolutely agree with "it’s important to be the kind of friend you wish to have and to show up as that person"!! + I also "struggled" with wishing my husband would be more "creative" and I'm realizing now he's exactly what I need! We balance eachother and he deserves to be seen and loved and supported for who he is!
Thank you for sharing this piece. I would say that I too have been wanting friendship and was willing to look for it anywhere lol [except for creatively]. But, I am coming to the understanding its good to nurture the friends I do have with the time I have with them. That concert looks like a good time. I kind of hide my creativity because it's not something I want to let people into fully. But all in all, this post was good as it reminded me creativity can be pulled from so many parts of life!
Yes on nurturing good friendships!! They are hard to come by these days and it's a blessing to have such wonderful people in our lives!! Also, I feel you with hiding your creativity! I hid stuff for so long (and asked family not to watch my social media videos) that my mom is JUST realizing that I "write for real... like as a job" she says! LOL You'll start feeling when its safe to share and who its safe to share with. Some things are still being developed between just you and God!
This was a refreshing read. I don’t have a lot of friends, but most of my close friends are non-creatives and I’ve known them for more than twenty years. The creative and artist friends I do have are people I met before social media, and now I’m starting to make newer creative friends who find me through YouTube. I do sense a transactional element with some of them though. A few reach out saying they want to be friends, but what they really want is to pick my brain. I don’t mind sharing what I know, but I would prefer if they were upfront about it.
Thank you for sharing this piece.
I have been struggling with wanting more creative friends because I feel so alone in that regard and I want someone to just get me and have someone to bounce ideas around with. However, this has helped me realize that it’s okay if I have friends that have no idea about the world I am in. To the little group I do talk about the world I’m in, they have helped me to always stay true to myself and not worry about “the right way to do things” and just keep it simple. And to remember the impact I want to have and why I’m in this in the first place. I need to give them more grace for not thinking like me and wanting more from them. I have been thinking about starting to go to networking events to find those creative friends and not putting that pressure on my family and friends.
I actually don't have a lot of friends, but the friends that I have are creative in their own ways lol. One is analytical while the other is an artist per se, for me, I just like trying all creative things! But I do get the fact that friends are important, especially where you are nurturing each other where you are and also where you need to be, seeing the best in you. I think that is the desire of everyone, to have people understand you for you who you are. I think that is why I love how GOD loves us for who we are, knowing that we are His, and His love does not change for us. He sees the best in us and wants us to "be". And those true friends that have been there, as we give and they give, nurture our growth. I think that's is where the sharpen iron comes from as well.