Reflection

The ability to reflect back on life is one of the things that is generally taken for granted, and quite frankly in this rapid pace life we live this days it can easily be something that we forget to do. Sure, we may do it when something significant comes along, typically in less fortunate situations. But reflecting back when life is going great is something we can so simply miss out on.

The past three months have easily been some of the best months of my life, and collectively together they’ve definitely been the best period of my life.

There weren’t any large scale lifestyle changes. No major life events. The one thing that changed? One person. I had know this person for about 18 months, however, had really never really even spoken to them, they were simply through this time just another work colleague working in a different branch. Then one day all that changed over a drink at a bar to celebrate their promotion.

At this point, no one would have been able to tell you just how profound the impact that we would eventually have on each other’s lives. However, that night would provide to be the catalyst for a three month period like no other. There’s been memories, hundreds of them, many that I’ll cherish forever. But more then that There’s been self growth, discovery and lessons learnt.

When I reflect back, the memories will always be the part I look back most fondly upon. When I reflect back, the part that I will always appreciate most was just how much this person was able to challenge me, in every aspect of this crazy little journey we call life.

Quite often we get comfortable in our bubbles. That may mean we accept mediocrity. Maybe it means that we don’t try new things. It can be why we avoid new people. Heck, it’s even the reason I have a go to meal every time I go out for dinner, because of you try something different you might not enjoy it. It’s safe to say that a few months ago I was one of those people, comfortable in my bubble. The important thing to realise is that doesn’t have to be a bad thing, life experience, current circumstances may lead to us needing to be stable and comfortable. But looking back, I was probably overdue for someone to burst my bubble, and I’m incredibly thankful that I found someone who didn’t just burst my bubble but through away the mix to make another.

At work, we both challenged each other to be better than we had ever been and in fairness it worked. We both pushed harder than ever and saw dividends. Together we ventured out to places neither of us would have gone if it wasn’t for each other, escaping the reality of our daily lives to take in the fresh air from the trees or sea breeze by the beach. There’s the little things too, basically forcing me to eat things that I ‘didn’t like’ (Read: Never Tried). But the biggest thing there was, is that I have never felt more vulnerable yet so safe and supported at the same time through all of it.

When I reflect back, the greatest, craziest and scariest part is realising that for the first time ever I know that I now have a best friend for life. Distance, work, other people, yes they may keep us apart. Yes, we will inevitably go periods of time without talking and seeing each other. But time doesn’t matter here, because in this scenario time apart will only make us appreciate just how strong this friendship has become. I know for me, that is the greatest feeling I’ve ever come across

The only downside? There are no words, no action or gesture that will ever be able to show this person just how much they mean to me, nor how thankful I am for everything that they have done for me.

And that everyone, is why we need to reflect back on our journeys, to appreciate the gems that life throws our way unexpectedly. After all, I’d rather reflect on the gems then the rocks life throws.