Circling the Wagons

 

Circling the wagons is an Old West cliché and a historical fact.  Wagon trains would “circle the wagons” around the campfire for protection at night.  Today, the phrase is used anytime a group comes together to defend or protect each other. 

There were four of us growing up.  We grew up away from extended family or steady connections.  We were Army Brats and that was fine.  Growing up like that though, you learn to depend on each other in a different way.  You circle your wagons.  We did it often and there were times that we survived because we came together and supported each other.  Life was better, the family was stronger.  As adults, we continue to circle our wagons and support each other as much as we can.  Of course, we’ve added family members since then, a sibling, spouses, and children, but that’s the great thing about circles, they grow.

As a teen, the best friends I had where those who came together and circled their wagons.  There was a point in my life where my own wagon, my own defenses weren’t enough, and they were there to lend their wagons, their strength.  The harder things were, the tighter the circle got. Now, as an adult, I have an amazing group of friends.  We’re spread all over the world but we still circle our wagons.  They were there for me during my recent divorce.  As a group, we are there for each other when life is hard.  No one is ever alone.  Technology has changed our ability to encircle and support each other in ways you couldn’t have seen 10 years ago. 

It is easy to become shortsighted and never look beyond the circle.  To become defensive and exclusionary.  That’s not the point and never should be.  Circles are about inclusion.  Look, always look, for those who need you and the comfort, safety, and even laughter that is within the circle.  That is one amazing lesson I have learned from my Twitter friends.  They are always looking for those who are in need of friendship, support, and kindness and protect them with the fiercest love you have ever known.

Circle your wagons, but leave room for those who need you.  Circle your wagons, but leave space for laughter and fun.  Circle your wagons around family and friends.  Circle your wagons, but leave your heart open.  Circle your wagons.