I’m lucky to be able to say that all throughout life I’ve made some great friends along the years. While I’m getting close to hitting 30 I still have very close ties with friends I had when I was 8 years old. Some have come and gone but most of them have been around for years and I have been able to rely as much on them as I have been able to offer support when needed.
I remember being a little kid in school, everyone kind of had their own group, there were the bad kids, the ones good at sports, the nerds, etc, and somehow I knew and was friends with pretty much everyone in every group. When it was time to play soccer I would go out and enjoy those friends just as much as I enjoyed studying with the nerds and even though I’m not be very proud of it, doing the occasional prank on some friends and teachers with the “bad kids”.
Because of this very open mentality I have been able to cultivate some awesome friendships along the way. I’ve been close to some friends in some ways and stop seeing some others due to distance and maybe a change of hobbies etc, but every time I see an old friend it fills my heart with joy.
I think when we are younger we do not fully appreciate the value of friendships. In school we are exposed to so many people that sometimes we take for granted what good friends can do for you. As we grow we start appreciating more the real friendships as some of them start showing more appreciation while others might show that they are not cut out to be close friends.
It’s funny how based on life experiences you will meet people who will be there for you, but depending on your experiences those friends will vary. If life is going well for you I’m sure everyone will love to be around you, go out to parties, dinners, enjoy BBQ’s at your house and so on. But on the other hand when you truly need a friend, when you need a big favor, you are moving and need a helping hand only a few will surface to actually be there for you.
Along the years I have seen how oftentimes some of the people you least expect of, end up being some of the best friends able to help you with anything you need.
Make sure you cultivate friendships, be the friend you wish you had. I know it’s hard sometimes but try to keep in touch with all of your good friends, try to be the helping hand when they need you, life changes a lot and you never know when you will need their help. This is not to say that you should do things hoping for something back, but do help your friends just because you enjoy it.
Go out now and call an old friend, text your friends and tell them how much you appreciate them.
You know the saying Friends are the Family you get to choose!
