Friendship is healthy

Reaffirming out loud what I have always known instinctively as an only child: putting time and effort into your friendships has long lasting benefits.

Humans are wired for connection, collaboration, contribution, community. If you try to exist within the island of your own family, or in isolation, you will wither, or you will rebel. Your primary relationship, and your family, cannot give you all you need - no matter how much they or you, wish they could, and the weight of such an expectation is sure to destroy those relationships. Create a balanced life with a solid network of people that support and sustain you, that give you strength to carry on. And give others the priceless gift of being a loving friend in return - it will change the world.

Friends are the tribe you've hand picked to help you get through life. Friendships are priorities in my life. I try new things with my friends, I share my joys and my pain with them, I relax and re-center myself through a connection with special people. I don't really understand how people can live full lives without solid friendships. Whereas family and work are responsibilities, friendships are the community you build to sustain your soul: a place of belonging, contribution, growth and comfort.