The Dear Ones

I recently returned home from a weekend away with two of my best friends and their families. I met one of these friends when we were both in the same kindergarten class and the other in high school. They have now been my best friends for 30 and 20 years respectively. That is a lot of years to be best friends with someone, and it got me thinking about what a gift it is to have lived so many years by someone’s side.

My parents recently celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary. We celebrated with a joy-filled family weekend away at the beach. People generally recognize the importance of celebrating wedding anniversaries, but when was the last time you stopped to think about and celebrate your friendships that have spanned many years? If it’s been awhile or you never have, I’m here to tell you that you should. Seriously. Right now. If you’re in the middle of doing something, or you only have five minutes at least right yourself a note to do it later…take five minutes to think about the most meaningful friendships in your life. Write down those friends’ names and how long you have been friends. Write down the things you have lived with them—the good, the bad, and the ugly. Consider sending them a text, writing them a letter, or giving them a call to let them know how much you appreciate having them in your life.

In my humble opinion people don’t celebrate each other enough these days. So many people I know are yearning for deeper connections with others, but no one seems to know where to start. Start here. Start today. Is your longest friendship a few months old? Celebrate it! Find the people in your life with whom you WANT to spend the next 20 or 30 years sharing experiences. Book your next experience. (Read: get drinks, get coffee, get dinner.)

I am so deeply grateful for the friends who have stayed by my side through the ups and downs of life, as well as the newer friendships I have formed that continue to grow. I hope you find the time and space to feel grateful for someone today, too.