Friendship

We all have core values and priorities. We all have attributes and interests that make us who we are: an internal pyramid of greatness. A few of the building blocks of my pyramid include potato chips, disc golf, equality, Jack Daniels, competition, beans and rice, and music. However, in ‘Kevin’s pyramid of greatness’, friends and family are the pinnacle.

Simply put, I would not be nearly the person that I am today without the people that I hold close to my heart. They are such an extraordinary support system. No matter the circumstances, I know I can call on any one of them, and they would be there with a drink and a shoulder for me to lean on. They are also particularly capable in helping me create incredible memories.

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However, just like anything, friendship can slip into a casual constant, and in my past, I treated it as such. When plans were cancelled, I often felt relieved because I was tired, or some other excuse of misplaced priorities.

Why was this a relief? Why would these people that I love so dearly feel like a hindrance? Primarily, it is was knowing they would always be there, even if I flaked. But would they always be there if we didn’t put in the effort to maintain our intimacy? Feelings of guilt can begin to override the motivation to rekindle waning friendships. And just like everything, connections can fray over the stress of time without working to keep them strong.

I am very thankful for this realization and have since made my connections a priority. I no longer want to rely on the previous foundations that were established throughout the years, I want to actively build on them to support my friends and make new memories.

Friendship has become the glue to my life. There is little in this world as powerful as the bond of saying you need help, and having people be there to support and build you up in whatever capacity is needed. I consider myself extraordinarily fortunate to have the love of so many incredible people. I will continue to strive to be as impactful in their lives as they have been in mine.

Friendship is happy, it is full of joy, it is effort, it is necessary. Here is to all of you, and here is my request of you: Say hello, or thank you to a friend as often as you can. You never know what the future holds, so why not make them smile by simply saying thank you.

Cheers to all of you old, recent or future friends. Thank you for the laughs, talks, crys, adventures and everything in between.