It's funny how, as a child, you form this perfect, formulated vision of what your life will be like as you grow into who you are and learn how you fit into the world around you. In this vision, you see nothing but greatness, a sort of success that goes beyond financial stability, one that is enjoyed solely in the company of the people who make it so special. You see your parents, both smiling and unburdened, you see your best friend growing old with you, and you see a happy, well-rounded, successful version of yourself. What's more - you can't wait to get there and live it for yourself.

Unfortunately, as we grow older, we lose this magical, magnificent childlike sense of wonder and become a bit jaded by the reality of life, while still trying to cling to its beauty and wonder. We realize that this perfect projection of how our life will (or at least, should) be is not always feasible, for the fact of the matter is that as times change, people do too. It isn't always realistic to think that the people we want to have in our lives forever will be there, and that sometimes it's best to just let things be - even if that means letting them go. It is crucial to keep in mind that some people are meant to accompany you along a portion of your journey before sending you on your way - however badly you want to keep growing together, the time may come when it is best to grow apart. Moreover, you can't really see how toxic certain people/relationships are until you start to breathe fresher air.

Sometimes, it's alright to let a nice thing go. Even when it requires more strength than you think you can muster, it is imperative to not let people, relationships, or situations that have gone sour to make you bitter, for inevitably everything that we endure in life makes us stronger, and molds us into who and how we are. Rather than succumbing to the negativity, grow from it. After all, seeds only sprout after having been covered in dirt.

While it undoubtedly is a misfortune and undeniably a sad, somber defeat to say goodbye to a friend you thought would be by your side forever, it does not do to dwell on the past, nor the things that take away from the beauty and wonder of life (however difficult to find and hold onto they may be). Carry on with your head held high. After all, there are billions of people that you still haven't met yet, most of which you never will - but some of which are meant to accompany you the rest of the way.