I've connected with several groups of friends and people the last few days.
Some were from my college days. Others we met through high school and church. Others are in my contemplation group.
They all shared similarities but were starkly different.
It's hard when people change around you, and it's as dependable as the ocean. People just don't stay the same. Sometimes yes; mostly no.
I've dramatically changed and that was evident as I rotated through various groups of people.
One had changed some in terms of life experiences but had maintained essentially the same core beliefs we'd had in high school and college over thirty years ago.
Others had adapted some and shifted, experienced significant personal growth, but also had similar beliefs.
The last group, everyone has changed dramatically due to life experiences and their beliefs have also dramatically shifted. This is the group I'm the most comfortable with.
I feel grateful that I'm able to move in and out of different groups of people largely without judgment. I do have boundaries and spend most of my time with the people I feel more free and vulnerable with. I've realized though that life is often not able to be spent only with the most ideal of companions.