Over the past weekend, I celebrated my 23rd birthday. I spent the evening surrounded by family and close friends.
Now, it’s one thing to know in your head that you have incredible people in your life, but it is a whole other thing to look around and see all of those people filling up the space of one room.
Taking in the sight of everyone around me over the weekend, I became overwhelmed with the following truth: Community is one of the most important things a person can have.
5 closest friends phenomenon
A mentor once told me something that really stuck. He said that your five closest friends will ultimately be the ones who have the biggest influence in shaping who you become. I sat with this, and considered how vital it truly is to ensure that you flank yourself with the right people – the type of friends who support you, who are not afraid to call you out when you’re doing something wrong, who encourage you, who push you closer to the better version of yourself. The people who speak life, into your life. And give it extra meaning. These people. They’re the ones we should keep around. The ones we should make time for. The ones who act as the glue that holds a community together.
Even more than looking for these types of friends… we should BE these types of friends.
Thought for the day
Think about your life right now. Think about who these friends are. When was the last time you phoned some of them and told them how much you value them? When was the last time you shot them a message, checking up on them, or telling them you love them?
I am learning that sometimes people just need to hear that they are appreciated. That they are a part of someone’s “five closest friends.”
Be the friend who shows up.
Catch you in the next one!
Joshua 🙂