The Elephant girls~!

The journey to this place, this morning, right where I am.....has been so often hallmarked for me as a journey without love, because of the stark absence of a healthy romantic love in my life....and having so much of what happened be such a blatant lack of love......teaching me to learn to love myself.....well....and well that was the point I believe:).....but last night made me view it so differently....my kids always fill the love spot for me.....always and that is never lost on me, and I have a great family that loves me so much........but last night I was surrounded by LOVE in the most beautiful way.....In the most beautiful of ways.....and I realized my journey has never been about a lack of love in any way......I have been loved so fiercely by so many forever, all of my life, and I was reminded by that when they all arrived, and I was thrilled that most of the friends from all my parts of my life were all getting along, and having instant fun:) Some of these friendships spanning decades....And I called them into my living room.....I had a gift for them.....And I said a few words about the journey, and all the pain that lived there and how they helped me endure.....and their friendship has been a deep gift to my life....and it was emotional to share my heart with them, under that big beautiful, cathartic moon......tears found me for sure, and then I gave them an elephant ornament and it said this.....

"Female elephants are celebrated for their strength, and unity much like the essence of true friendship. When faced with challenges, they instinctively form a protective circle-standing shoulder to shoulder, shielding and supporting one another, just as good friends do. We too, stand side by side, through thick and thin, navigating life's highs and lows as a team. When victories come, we cheer each other on, and when times get rough, we lift one another up. Our friendship is built on unwavering loyalty, kindness, and steadfast support. Whether I'm the one offering a helping hand or the one receiving it, our bond remains solid and unbreakable. So here's a heartfelt shoutout to you, my dear friend for being an irreplaceable part of this unshakeable circle of friendship."

And the room had the women in it that have supported me these 5 years in big ways....and their support was felt.....a few of the ladies couldn't make it, and we missed them....and I have elephant girls out there in the world.....that make their elephant like protection felt in my life, through their support of my journey....and I appreciate every one of them.....and then in the circle we sat in last night, which was quite by accident, mimicking the elephant metaphor, it became about them sharing my impact in their lives......and the words spoken about me and to me last night were humbling, truly.....and so loving, and it touched my heart so deeply.....they said beautiful things about me....about this Jenn, the former Jenn, all of my versions......and it was a beautiful beautiful experience......t0 be surrounded by such love in every way that a person can be surrounded by it......and I felt that love so completely......and it was a gift to my life...... and it seemed so apropos as I have arrived at this mile marker line......and can look back on all the road I covered to get here:) So yea this journey has NOT been about a lack of love at all.....it has been about doing my best to share love, and receive so much more than my fair share in return......and well......I am blessed indeed:) xoxox