We Have So Many People Left to Love

I was looking at a picture recently of myself with two of my dearest friends, both of whom I met in New York City. One I’ve known for almost a decade. The other I met through the first friend a couple years ago. They are both such irreplaceable parts of my life so much so that when I talk about something that happened before I met the newer friend, I frequently find myself surprised that she wasn’t there for that. 

At the end of each calendar year when I’m deep in my December reflections, I find myself thinking about all the new people I’ve met over the past 365 days. Some years it is more than others. Did I move? Did I start a new job? Did I join a group or seek out new experiences? Who did I meet at my friend’s wedding or on that trip? Doesn’t my life now look a little different because of that?

I was at a birthday party last month and had the best time talking to this thoughtful and interesting couple. Whether or not we cross paths again, how delightful to be connected, even if just for a moment. And on a closer level, what about the friends I made running a few months ago and the joy and inspiration that their regular appearance in my life brings? 

I love taking intentional pause to think about things like this because it serves as a reminder that we are always learning and growing. Our circles have what feels like infinite potential to expand. We may have favorite people we haven’t met yet. 

It is because of this capacity to continually be meeting new favorite people that makes me pause to appreciate all the favorite people I have loved in every season. 

In middle school, my friend would talk about all the sunsets we have yet to see. Equally cheesy, in adulthood, I now think of all the people I have yet to love. And how you never know when a new friend will turn into someone you can’t live without. 

We should all be so lucky.