It wasn’t until recently that I began to realize the beauty and importance of good friends in my life. When I was away, I loved being alone – indeed, it was much needed. But my eyes were also opened to how much I am loved and cherished by the wonderful souls I call friends and family.

Being somewhat of a lone wolf, I never realized the impact my relationships had on me. But a major reason I became so unhappy in NYC in the past year was because the closest friends I had were leaving – for good. I felt abandoned and adrift. But you know a wonderful thing I learned while traveling solo through SEA? There are always new friends waiting to be made!

Acquaintances with whom to share adventures for a day,

Kindred spirits with the same morals and interests,

People who pique your fancy for whatever reason,

Those with your same brand of crazy.

Coming back was bittersweet, and I nearly forgot my newly learned lesson. I was saddened by and resented my friends leaving me, and had almost decided to become petty and obstinate, refusing to make new friends simply out of spite. But Life has a way of throwing things and people at you just at the time you need them most, and I found myself suddenly surrounded by fantastic and intriguing new people, and absolutely smothered in love and companionship by old friends happy to have me back in their lives.

To say I’m blessed is an understatement.