Hola from Miami.
This newsletter originates from a warmer and much-needed climate change. I have escaped the Toronto Polar Vortex and made it to the Sunshine State. Here I am celebrating one of my good friends’ Bachelorette trip—and what a trip it was.
Before I get into this reflection, I want to preface that when it came to February this year, I had a very specific intention. This intention was to love. February is a month of love—not just romantic, familial, and self-love but also the love we share in our friendships. I genuinely think the value of good-quality friendships is overlooked way too often.
My trip to Miami illustrated precisely that. Although I went to Miami to celebrate one of my dearest friends, I met her friend group in the process. I was the outsider – the only person I knew was her. This naturally brought a lot of anxiety and questions about how the next 4 days will go. But I learned so quickly the value women bring into my life. Although everyone we meet does not have to be our best friend, there is always something to learn; more than anything, there is always an opportunity to show up as your authentic self. As the natural introvert that I am, spending 4 days partying with strangers is not in the bingo card of my comfort zone. As I cannot speak to their experiences, I can safely assume that we almost all were outside of our comfort zones – and if we all were, did we all show up to the versions of ourselves that were true to who we are. It brings me a lot of pride that I did.
I know I did because when I compare my friendships, I know I would not be the person I am today, getting through some of the most challenging times of my life without those women in my life. My close circle has allowed me to grow and fall – and, for the most part, not judge. When I was away, my mother called and told me that her neighbourly crew FaceTimed her with samosas and tea during her travels to let her know they missed her. Now, this is a woman who has been chronically lonely her entire life and never trusted people to be close to her. So for her to get a call from this woman because if she was home, she would be there, met the world to her.
These are the moments of friendship that get overlooked. They are the ones where there is mindfulness, where there is an opportunity for further connection, and where there is space for the person to show you that they have changed, and no one seems to remember that.
So as you go and celebrate love this month – not in a Valentine or Galentine format – make sure you tell the people, the women, the men, the children, that you love them. You learn from them. You grow because of them.
