Growing In The Deep

The last few days I got to play hostess, something I very much enjoy. I enjoy it even more when it’s for people I love. My friend Nick reminded me we met about seven years ago (I feel old) at a weekend event for accepted students at Gonzaga the spring before we attended the university as freshman. Freshman year we spent hours conversing about our values, which is why three years after graduating college, not seeing each other at all, with little maintenance on our relationship, we are able to be together and slide right back into things.

(Nick and I freshman year having too much fun on my Mac's Photo Booth)

Have things changed? Certainly. Since college Nick has horse backed across the country to campaign for Crohn’s Disease. He now works at a company he loves. It’s fun to see how the people in your life grow. Catching up with Nick I saw passion, purpose and drive as he navigates through his career. These qualities are something he has always had but never have I seen him so focused. It’s exciting to hear him talk all about it.

No matter how many years go by, I have no doubt my relationship with Nick will change. Why? Because our relationship is based on everything you are not supposed to talk about… religion and politics. (Duh, what were you thinking?) Let me explain. If you want deep friendships you need to dive deep, and that means asking the types of questions that might be P.C. to gain a greater understanding of one another.

Nick and I know each other’s core. We might not know each other’s favorite candy bar but we know what makes one another tick. The values and beliefs that guide how we choose to live our lives connect us.

(A quick stop for a picture during our Segway Tour at the Purple People Bridge in Cincinnati. Our tour guide insisted we say "buttchecks," before he snapped the photo.)

I encourage you to seek these types of friendships. Friendships not based on having the same hometown address or favorite Friday night hang out spot. Find friendships based on values with people who will hold you accountable. People who challenge you to grow to your potential and most importantly love you for you.

#frienship #growth #personaldevelopment