The Decision of Friendship...

 



Last post I shared how I learned the value of friendship. This time I’m excited to share what I learned from my dear friend and college roommate Terisha Lee, Dr. Lee, whom I will refer to as Risha. When I met Risha our freshmen year at Fisk University it was at a campus bible study. I believe she was trying to decide her major and I was having boy problems. Either way we both needed prayer and it was at that bible study we made plans to meet once a week at the school chapel to pray together. Little did we know the chapel would be locked and we would be praying outside on the steps outside of our literal comfort zones. But, we did it. Each week we met just to pray. Our friend groups didn’t overlap. Our classes didn’t overlap and at that point we weren’t roommates.

In the second semester of our freshman year we both lost our roommates and I moved to her room (which was the bigger of the 2). Risha was a great roommate and an even better friend. I learned so much from her and I don’t think she is even aware. Out of all the things I’ve learned what sticks with me most is when Risha taught me about decisiveness. I was a very indecisive person. I hated making decisions because I didn’t want to hurt anyones feelings or I was concerned with what people would think of me. I remember Risha telling me to just make a decision and stick with it. I’m not sure at this point what it was in reference to, but I remember she had had enough of my flip flopping on things and we had a whole conversation about it. What I took from that conversation was so much deep than just making a decision and sticking with it. I realized and over time have experienced that is how Risha sees friendship as well. When Terisha makes the decision to be your friend you have a friend that has her mind made up and she will see this friendship through every situation and circumstance.

Risha and I may not stay in touch with each other regularly but when we get the chance to talk, we pick up where we left off. If I’m in her area I make sure to see her. If she is in my area, she makes sure to see me. One of the things I love about Risha is everything she does is from a genuine place of wanting the other person to shine in the best version of themselves. Her business Propensities by Dr. Lee is all about speaking and consulting with individuals and organizations to determine what natural tendencies are working against them. Then creating new ones that will work for them. If you are wondering what propensities mean: they are inclinations or natural tendencies to behave in a particular way.

Terisha Lee is an amazing wife, mother, scholar, empowerment speaker, and friend. When I asked Risha what is something she’s learned from friendship, her response was beautiful. “One of the greatest lessons I learned from friendship is to have a definition. What does friendship look like for you? Without a definition of what you want in your friendship people will abuse and mistreat you and tell you that you should like it because you are friends. I also learned that friendships evolve and change with life and seasons. The more open you are to the changes the greater the gift of friendship will be.” I love the lessons she’s learned from friendship. I too think it’s important to define or establish boundaries within all relationships especially friendship. It has also been my experience that the friendships that have evolved with the changes of my life have blessed me deeply. I am thankful that Risha and I could go from little college kids to amazing women that champion each other.

I am so proud of the amazing, talented, triumphant woman Terisha has become. My prayer for her is that all of God’s greatest success and blessing continue to layer her life with joy. If you are interested in working with Dr. Terisha Lee please check out her website TerishaLee.com. She can also be found on Facebook Live every Tuesday and Thursday at 6:30pm (est) where she interviews influencers from various professions on the propensities that propelled them to success. Risha can also be found on Instagram and Youtube. See the handles below. I have so many memories with Risha from college but what I remember most was how great of a friend and roommate she was. Sometimes it’s an unassuming conversation that leads to a great long-lasting friendship. If I could leave you with anything it would be to remember to define what you want in a friendship, be clear about your decision, and keep your mind made up. Thank you for reading. Thank you Risha for always being consistent. I love you.

 

Love ya,

-Juls

 

Where to find Terisha:

Website: TerishaLee.com

Facebook: @DrTerishaLee

Instagram: @Terisha_Lee

Youtube: Dr. Terisha Lee

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