Each new chapter of life brings new places, and consequentially new people. When we reach this crossroad in our life we have a decision to make. Be a one-man wolf pack or grow your wolf pack like Zack Galifianakis' character in "The Hangover." Venturing outside the comfort zone of familiarity isn't a cake walk for everyone. Social butterflies spread their wings and build relationships, while social pariahs sit on beanbags in their bedroom and munch Cheetos. Although engaging in new friendships may be awkward, it's absolutely necessary and should be embraced for several reasons.
Create new friendships because each unique human is accompanied by a unique world view; a world view with the capability of expanding our own. We all live in our own minuscule worlds; shaped by culture, religion, government, etc. For example, my world is shaped by Montana, family, hobbies, work and God's love. It's a small world (after all). When I engage in forming a friendship I am given the opportunity to view the world through an alternative lens. I feel like less of an uncultured swine. But seriously, my knowledge of the world multiplies when I make new friends. I am blessed with a distinct perspective to learn from. Which is why I encourage you to reach out (when the opportunity presents itself) to engage in establishing fresh friendships. We could all use a change of perspective provided by discovering friendships.
Fresh friendships also foster joy. Have you ever noticed yourself laughing and smiling more while you get to B.S. with someone new? It's a subliminal occurrence, but just watch and listen next time you're out getting to know different folks. I promise, it happens. Maybe it's just sweet serendipity. I don't know for sure, but I do know that making new friends is an unforgettable experience full of whimsy.
Let's not forget about the oldies. Not the music or your grandma, but the good ol' friends. The day ones, O.G. homies, squad, brothas from another motha, and any other nickname in the book. As much as I love and believe creating new friendships is a major key to success (shoutout to DJ Khaled), maintaining relationships with old friends is equally as important.
Being with old friends is nostalgia at its finest. Long-time friends have a way of stirring up memories and stories from the past. The best part about the reflection on memories of the past is realizing how you've changed, but stayed the same simultaneously. We all change, but we typically don't notice it without help from an old friend. We begin to see the obstacles conquered, healed wounds, mistakes learned from and all the other good stuff (which may have seemed like bad stuff at the time) that built character. Also, our past selves revive with O.G. homies. The childlike heart comes to life, like reliving a memory, and the urge to go make more memories is stronger than ever. Finding the childlike spirit within ourselves keeps the adult-self from going insane. We laugh, dance, and do other ill-advised activities just like old times. It's necessary. With the assistance of our seasoned friends, we would are able to understand how far we've come in this journey and the child within can run free.
Get out there and chillax with your squad, newbies and oldies. There's fun to be had, memories to be made, and lessons to be learned. Oh, and Pokemon to be caught. Stay safe, nerds.
