Humans have an innate desire to belong, to feel valued and to be accepted. We are not solitary beings. In fact, I recently learned in one of my psychology classes that social isolation can have detrimental effects on the human mind. So, what do we do to feel part of a community? We have friends, duh.

It has been said that friends are the family we choose for ourselves and I’ve honestly never agreed with any statement as much as I do with this. They are our support systems, sources of honest advice and who we can talk to about any and everything. They are never judgemental, cruel or devious but rather truthful, accepting and caring. Where would we be without our friends?

Life is a long, bumpy, unpaved road. A road that twists and turns so unexpectedly that it’s, more often than not, a miracle we don’t drive right off. I, like most of us, have had some pretty difficult times throughout my life. Experiences that threw me down so hard I never thought I’d be able to get back up again. When I would feel myself gripping the edge of the cliff, losing strength, my friends were there to pull me back onto solid ground.

Through heartbreak, stress, trauma, you name it, my friends stood by my side, told me what I needed to hear, rebuilt my confidence and reminded me of the badass woman I am. As I reflect on the invaluable, unconditional support they have given (and continue to give) me I am absolutely overwhelmed with gratitude.

I want to say thank you to my friends for everything they have done for, given and taught me over the years. There is no better gift than that of a friend’s unconditional love and undying support. To know that I am able to ask for help or even just a laugh from any one of my friends at any time of the day or night is a comfort that I am unbelievably grateful for.

I know I don’t tell them enough and you probably don’t say it to your friends enough either, but I love them. I’d be so lost without them and I can’t imagine experiencing the good and the bad in life without their friendship. Really and truly, I feel that the people I have chosen to be my family, are family and I love them just the same.

Friends are undeniably important in everyone’s life and during this International Friendship Month, it’s only right that you take time to thank yours. Tell them how much they mean to you, show them how much you appreciate their existence, and just remind them they are irreplaceable, valued and loved. Give back to them a fraction of what they’ve given to you and, trust me, they will appreciate it more than you know.