finding my people (a love note to my best friends)

I remember the exact moment when I realized that I have found "my people". It wasn't that long ago, about 2-3 weeks ago. Erika's best friend invited me on a trip to the Poconos for her birthday.

About a week before the trip, a group message was made for all of the people that were going to come on the trip. I realized that I only knew Erika, the birthday girl (Liana), and Patty.

Normally, I feel some sort of anxiety knowing that I don't know everyone. I  worry about feeling out of place, or not clicking with some of the people in the group, among a billion other thoughts. This time around, I was surprised to find that I wasn't that nervous. Like yes, of course I went through some anxious thoughts, but at the end of the day, I realized that I felt pretty comfortable about this trip.

Let's jump forward to the day of the trip. I drove up with Erika, Patty, and a girl I didn't know who's name was Jen. It was a nice chill trip up. Once we made it to our Airbnb, and everyone else arrived, I realized that I didn't feel out of place at all. No one made fun of me because I couldn't take a legitimate shot (yeah, it takes a very special moment for me to do a full shot with little to no difficulty). Everyone was super nice, friendly, and beyond welcoming.

I would say that around the middle of the day, after coming back from our morning activities, we were all sat around the table, and it hit me.

I was flooded with emotion, realizing that I felt little to no anxiety. I was surrounded by "real" people. People who aren't judging me with their eyes every moment they can. They're just enjoying my company, just like I am their's.

I couldn't believe that even when I played games like NSFW charades, something that usually paralyzes me with discomfort, I felt...okay. I wasn't as anxious to make a fool of myself like I usually am.

I might not be best friends with all the people I was surrounded with at that moment, but I found my people. People I felt 100% comfortable with, and that allowed me to be my full self. People that make ME want to embrace myself. Not only embrace the person I am today, but people who make me want to be the best me possible.

I don't know why that day made me come to this giant realization, but I realized that I have found my people. I have reached a point in my life that I'm surrounded by people where I can truly be myself. I feel unjudged, loved, and supported.

I am so blessed that I have such amazing people in my life. Just like Meredith from Grey's Anatomy found her person in Christina, I have found my people.

These thoughts have been sitting in the back of my mind for the last three weeks. Three weeks spending time with my people, and I have felt nothing but gratitude for being surrounded by the best people ever.

I have found people who accept me wholeheartedly. They make me want to be the best me possible. They support me through all my life journeys. They deserve a huge round of applause (queue in applause gif right...here), for being my biggest cheerleaders. They're there for my best moments and some of my worst. My adventures and reckless moments. Through thick and thin, my people have been there for me.

so a huge thank you to Jill, Jamie, Christina, Erika, Melissa, Sofia, Patty, Lila & Liana for being my people. You have made a bigger impact on me than you will ever imagine. Thank you for being you and for allowing me to be me. Love you all to the moon and back.

Do you think you have met "your people" or "your person"? Let me know in the comments down below! I'm sorry for the sappy lil' love note to my friends, but I had to get this off of my chest. Sending you all so much love, strength, and positivity.

-Melina xxx