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Few things make a more influential impact in life than supportive and loving friends. Being able to depend on someone and having that person count on you in return is one massive flex. People might walk in and out of your life, but true friends will stay, and if they do leave, they’ll have left a lasting footprint in your heart. That said, the question is, do we really need any more friends, especially as we grow older? If so, when do we stop making new friends? 

For me, building relationships with new people never stops. And while it might be different from how we made friends as kids, the same principles apply. Find people who have something in common with you or are working towards the same goals as you. But just never stop. You never know; your new friend might be the missing piece of your success puzzle.

Making New Friends is Possible, No Matter The Age – 00:35

I recently got featured in a new and exciting magazine, and as much as I’d love to be calm about it, I just can’t. Considering where I come from, all that I’ve gone through, and how much I’ve achieved, for someone to think of me for their magazine is just huge. The thrill and excitement that comes when you see your picture in a magazine is something I’ve never experienced before. 

When I first got to see my work in this particular magazine, it got me thinking, how did I get here? Who am I to enjoy such exposure? Do I really deserve such publicity within my space? And while there might be several things that got me to where I am today, one thing really sticks out– friendships. I didn’t know this at the time, but I’ve been building friendships and relationships over the past two years that have opened doors I never knew existed. Never in my wildest dreams have I ever seen myself being featured in a magazine. But here we are.

Where am I going with this? First, friendships are important. It doesn’t matter how old or young you think you are; you can always do with one more friend. Think of all the doors that could be opened by simply knowing the right people. Mind you; I’m not saying you go on a friendship-making spree or drop some of your old friends. I just want you to be open to the idea of making new friends. I know we’ve been told that making new friends is harder the older we become, but I believe you’re never too old to make new friends. I also believe that when you start connecting with the right people, incredible things start to happen. 

Healing Comes in Many Forms – 08:47

We all go through things in life that leave us with scars so deep we feel like we might never recover. And while some of us require little to no help to overcome these challenges, most of us can’t do it on our own. I know I can’t. That’s why I believe in the power of friendship for healing. The right friends will help you overcome challenges you never thought you could on your own. Now, don’t get me wrong. I’m not saying you treat your friend like a therapist or something. I just want to embrace the idea of friends who give you a different perspective on life. Befriend the type of people that will impact your thinking, behavior, and attitude towards life. 

It gets even better when you’re moving in the same direction because now you get to support each other’s individual journeys and move towards inspired action. I believe that once you associate only with positive people, you’ll be able to let go of the negative emotions that are draining your valuable energy with uninspiring attitudes. 

Love and Know Others as You Would Do Yourself – 13:10

The extent you can love and know yourself is the same extent to which you can love and know people around you. I know it’s a lot to take in, but it’s really simple. It’s practically impossible to love others more than you love yourself. And it’s also almost impossible to know others more than you know yourself. But there’s something with knowing yourself better that helps you make healthier decisions and build a more fulfilling life. For example, I know myself just enough to recognize what’s good or bad for me. I also love myself such that I know my self-worth. When you don’t know what’s right for you, you’ll start putting up with things you normally wouldn’t. 

My message for you today is to take some time to learn to love yourself better because you deserve it. Be a little more intentional about the people you surround yourself with because they define who you truly are. And lastly, you’re never too old to make new friends. The right friend for you is out there waiting for you to get out of your comfort zone.