Written by Whit, you are amazed by the universe, in awe of life, astounded by the beauty of this world and the people in it.
Over the past few years, you have spent your life dedicated to supporting the people around you by coaching and mentoring them through some of the toughest years of their lives. You have bought them coffees and let them cry, you have provided advice and listened with an open heart, you have given them hugs and baked them muffins (by the dozens). It has been an incredible privilege to form such strong, deep relationships both through your work and your personal life. And now, all of that love and support is coming back to you when you need it most.
You have friends who have opened up their homes to you, friends who are watching your cats, friends who are texting and emailing each day to check in on you. After giving so much of yourself, your friends are there for you during your most difficult time. It is one of the biggest blessings you could ever ask for.
Friendships are often the most impactful relationships in your life because they are the people you are actively choosing to spend time with. You weren’t born into these relationships like you were with your family; no, friendships are choices. You meet someone, you connect, you share, you bond, you form an attachment, and you both actively say, “This person is awesome. I choose them.” And then you dedicate time, energy, and emotions to this self-chosen person. Friendships are particularly important for those wandering souls who decide to randomly move to other countries with no family or connections or support (here’s looking at you, kid).
Not only do you have friends in Australia, but you have friends all over the world who are checking in on you and giving you love. How did you become so lucky? Perhaps it isn’t luck at all. It just goes to show that if you give of yourself freely, if you truly live your values and love everyone every day, then that love will come back to you. Life has a way of turning around and presenting its most brilliant self at the most difficult of times.
The universe is a beautiful magic-creator and miracle-maker. (She also has a wicked sense of humour; remember the bicyclist? Ugh.)
A couple of months ago, when you were just starting down the rabbit hole that has now become your life (watch out Alice, Wonderland isn’t so wonderful), you received a message from someone you hadn’t heard from in five years. Someone who you had connected with for a brief moment in your life. Someone who still has a piece of your heart. Corey.
“Hey, Whit, how have you been?”
As you read that message, all of the memories of him cascaded back into your mind. His deep voice and strong presence, his constant support and never ending patience, his thoughtful responses and caring smile. His friendship all those years ago helped support you through your first major relationship break-up. You met him at a time in your life when you were young, vulnerable, and lost in the maze of your mind. Memories long-since forgotten were now real once again.
“Hi Corey! It’s so nice to hear from you,” you responded, smiling. Your heart felt lighter already.
Anyone who has ever become a teacher knows that your first year of teaching is a rollercoaster of emotions with extreme highs and extreme lows, interspersed with spurts of energy and deep, soul-crushing exhaustion. You met Corey when you were in the “disillusionment” phase of teaching (yes, that is a real thing), about 4 months into your first year. Not only were you exhausted beyond belief, but you were also in the process of breaking up with your then long-term boyfriend of 4 years.
Disillusioned? More like defeated.
Corey wasn’t in your life for very long, but he had a lasting impact. He talked you through those first few months of singledom, listened as you lamented about your students failing their test (again… and again), and mowed your lawn (because you couldn’t handle one. more. thing.). More than anything, he smiled. All the time. He smiled and it made you happy.
Two months ago, you really needed a smile. And then he messaged you.
People come in and out of your life precisely when you need them, and they need you. What compelled him to message you on that day? Why did he think of you? It’s almost as if he knew that you needed him. And maybe he needed you too. It feels like life sent you a small bit of light to help guide you through the darkness. Corey was (and still is) that light. He has supported you, guided you, cared for you, and listened to you. Even though it seems silly, you love him. At this point in your life, he is exactly what you need. You didn’t even realise it. But, life did. The universe brought you two together again, and for that you are grateful.
Corey will probably leave your life again soon – it is just the way of things. Some people you spend two years with, others two months; the amount of time is irrelevant. The impact, however, is undeniable. Corey is one of those people. He was never meant to stick, but his influence will last forever. Yet again, he has appeared in your life at a tumultuous time, when you are trying to heal from another break-up. Even though you two are 10,000 miles apart (and worlds away from who you both were five years ago), the friendship is still there. Corey will be there for you in another five years, when you are going through another difficult change, because he is one of those people. Your friendship is not diminished by time, nor is it defined by distance.
Not a lot is certain in your life right now, Whit. But there is one thing that is true: your friendships are your guiding force, your tugboat leading you home. Through your friendships, you are healing and coming back to yourself. You can’t do this alone. And even though the waves are high and the ocean is tumultuous, the wind is starting to calm, the storm is beginning to settle, and you are (slowly) on your way home.
Whit Munroe 