I heard, from my TBI knowledge source (my counselor, who only counsels clients who’ve had near-death experiences), that the survivors she counsels (particularly those with brain-injuries) almost always loose some old friends. I feel extremely thankful for this knowledge, as when I started losing friends (2), I was pacified in knowing that this is a commonality for the vast majority of those who’ve experienced deadly brain injuries.
I’m also pacified by the 3 new comrades I’ve made very recently, and in such unexpected places & circumstances! (My Lyft driver, outside a 7-eleven, inside a coffee shop). That last 1 is a bit more typical for me, as I spend a fair amount of time in coffee shops. (They’re my work-place. ((I largely compose these blog posts in coffee shops.)))
It’s clear to me, that this friend-change, is in fact, an evolution (growth, advancement, development), rather than a devolution (surrender, moving to a lower level).
This is comforting & affirming to me, as no one is proud of devolving, including me!
I think that my newly gained friends, must appreciate my current self, (otherwise, what was their impetus for exchanging digits with me! ((and yes, I’ve confirmed, that it wasn’t based on attraction)) as opposed to dwelling on my past, very care-giving self.
I have way too much on my plate, to actively care for others. I will always be, as it’s simply fundamental to my being, caring. But I am only able to act selflessly a slight amount, which is far less, than my previous norm.
I’m so very appreciative of my consistent friends, who are evolving with me. I find this beautiful.
Honestly, I don’t really see my changes as very massive. But, to each their own.
Ya know, c’est la vie (that’s life), honestly. Friendships come and go, and this particular change of self, is simply the current provocation.