“Friendship is a sheltering tree”

I came across the quote, ‘Friendship is a sheltering tree’ by Samuel Taylor Coleridge, and it really captured my heart thinking about how important friendship is. Through the various seasons of life—from the harshness of winter to the scorching heat of summer—we can always find comfort and solace in our friendships.

It always fascinates me how people who are not related to us can become such a significant part of our lives and, in some cases, become like family. That is the beauty and purity of friendship- to have such an intimate bond with another person which supersedes barriers such as age, race, beliefs and other complexities.

Life allows us to cross paths with people who will go to war for us, people who will sit with us in silence when all we need is a comforting presence and those who will laugh with us and celebrate us. My heart warms when I recall various experiences I’ve had with friends- over the years. From a friend offering words of comfort and strength during a difficult phase to another celebrating a major achievement, to long phone calls, to a heartfelt conversation over lunch and those moments of casually talking about nothing and everything at the same time.

There are friendships which span years, from childhood to adulthood and you grow together. At that point, you realise that both your needs and theirs change, and you have to adjust accordingly to keep the friendship thriving. After all, we all make some sort of compromise for those we care about. It is beautiful to watch your friends grow to become the best version of themselves and tick off achievements off their bucket list. The joy they exude when they finally attain something they’ve been hoping and praying for after a long time is absolutely priceless!

Then there are those friendships which last only for a season but leave indelible imprints on us. They come into our lives at a very pivotal time and show up in the most significant way. I often think that there are some people we encounter who are not meant to be in our lives for long but only for a short time to teach us valuable lessons or encourage us through whatever situation we find ourselves in. I remember fondly such friends I’ve had along the way and although we are no longer in contact, I keep rooting for them to achieve their wildest dreams.

I honestly feel that friendship, when done right, really adds immense value to our lives. My hope for you, dear reader is that if you have not yet found your tribe, you do, and may it bring you immense love and support and if you have found your people, I hope your journey together progresses beautifully.