A Letter to my Friends

To my friends,

Those who I've crossed paths with over the last two decades - some for a short amount of time, and some for a lifetime. From my first day of primary school, to my first day at University.

The moments I've shared with you have taught me many a lesson. Even today, I'm still learning of new and exciting things, my awareness constantly extending. Different cultures. Personalities. A smile on a rough day. A laugh on a dull one.

You've helped me grow as a person. You've taught me that, even now, I have so much to learn. About myself and the world around me. You took my hand and showed me around a city that I've known all my life. But this time, I watched from a new perspective. I took photos. Smiled. Joked. When you were at your low, I gave you a hug and told you everything would be okay. And when I was, you did the same. We celebrated our successes. Birthdays. Growing up.

You may not be nearby anymore, but I still look back on the memories. A lone polaroid wedged down the side of my mattress. One of many facebook friends or Instagram follows. That's the funny thing about life these days - no one is ever too far away with technology at our hand. I could call you if I wanted, but I know you're busy. We've all grown. Distant.

I hope you're doing well. That life is good for you. You deserve it. Maybe one day, in our busy lives, we'll cross paths again. You'll invite me for coffee during a lunch break. Life will feel.. just as it once did. It's funny how things can feel as if they never changed, with a friend by your side. That's the joy of it all. A friend is never too far away.

Some of you were short-lived. We met, spent time together, and when we were sick of each other, we were done. I still think of you occasionally. What would life be like if we never broke off? Would I be where I am today? Would I be happy? You taught me lessons, about myself, about humanity. Sometimes things aren't meant to work out and that's okay. It has to be. Why hold on to the past when there's a bright future ahead, if we're willing to take it? Maybe it was best for both of us. Life isn't this straight-forward thing. People don't instantly love everyone they meet.

And, to the friends by my side today, words cannot express my gratitude. I look forward to each new memory that we make - the meaningless walks that, on the contrary, mean an awful lot. The late night messages, and calls. You stuck by me at my worst. You told me everything would be okay. And it was. Because I had this network of support that I could come to. I hope, at least, that I have put a smile on your face when life has pulled you down. That I've been someone who listens, to the drama and challenges that life has put in your way. I hope that I have been to you what you have been to me - a true friend. Someone that prioritises you at your time of need. That puts you before myself when it's needed.

To all of you, the good and bad - you have made me who I am. And for that, I am grateful. Grateful for the lessons, and the good times. The conversations and outings.

But that isn't all. I know that there are many of you that I still have yet to meet. Perhaps on my first day at work. Or in my next neighborhood. You'll say hello, and show me around. To those of you that I haven't met, I can't wait to see what's in store for us.

It's been fun, and it's only the start.