A friendship of any kind is unique in its origin, substance, direction, and authenticity. I find friendships an extremely complex subject, in the way that there are so many dynamics that can contribute to a blossoming friendship, yet so many dynamics lead those same friendships down a path of destruction. The thing about friendships is that all they are, are friendships, and there is an instinctual separation between blood and a decision to construct a connection with a stranger of sorts, or is that really the case?

Throughout my life, I have been fortunate to have had and have a range of friendships in all areas of my life. Within those friendships, I have created lifelong bonds, shared memories that will last forever, learned a variety of good and bad lessons, been betrayed, and witnessed disaster. All aspects that have formed an ideology around my perception of friendships, what I believe a friendship is, and the values in which I deem a successful friendship.

Over the years, my friend circle has shrunk and although it may seem at times that the fewer friends you have, the less fulfilling your friendships are, you find that this is not the case at all. Some of my dearest, oldest, and closest friends I may only see on an annual basis, yet the thought of having those friends in my life--friends I can confide in, friends that can confide in me, friends that know parts of me, both good and bad, that others may never know--brings me a strong sense of purpose and a strong sense of community. Some of my closest friends are also new friends who I see regularly and help form a deep sense of community on a more consistent basis. Both new and old friendships formed through shared interests, a combination of various experiences, the desire to connect on a deeper level and held in time through a universal energy.

The ability to form and create friendships, for a short-, medium-, and long-term basis, from new and old introductions, has the capacity to create purpose, fulfilment, and happiness in a wide array of facets. This can help pave the path and direction in which you follow and contribute strongly to the formula in which ingredients formulate the person you become. The construction and maintenance of these relationships take time, effort, and a universal connection of energy that transmits regardless of the time period between physical interactions.

As our lives evolve, situations change, responsibilities increase, and paths begin to skew, it is important to hold onto those you value the most. Friendships may just seem like friendships, but as the connection deepens, you cross a threshold at some point where those connections form an energy connection that, in many cases, is deeper than blood and more influential in shaping the person you form and wish to become. The choice of your friendships and the choice of the friendships you maintain is a vital component in our search for happiness and vastly important in shaping the person you become.

Thanks,

Dean