Who's Your Person? The Miracle of True Friendship
Friendship is the "F" in my S.E.L.F. Empowerment pillars—Stability, Environment, Love, and Friendship. And there's a reason it's one of the four. Meaningful connections help us feel supported, valued, and grounded. They remind us that we don't have to navigate life's challenges alone.
Last weekend, I attended the wedding of my dear friend Yael's son, Danny, whom I've known for 30 years. And while it was a beautiful celebration, what touched me most was the love, honor, and compassion I felt from Yael and her entire family.
Every one of them made sure I felt welcomed, included, and cared for. They gave me their time, their attention, and their love. I wasn't just a guest at a wedding. I was family.
And it reminded me of something so important about true friendship. A true friend never lets you feel alone.
Yael and I have been friends for 30 years. We met when she lived in the Dallas area, but about 25 years ago, she moved to Chicago. Despite the distance, our friendship has never faded.
That's the miracle of friendship. Think about it. Of all the people in the world, what are the odds of meeting someone at just the right time and place, forming a connection, and choosing to remain in each other's lives for decades? We choose our friends, but there's something extraordinary about finding those special people who become part of our life's journey.
I believe we all need to have our "person." Someone who knows us, understands us, and has our back, no matter what.
I'm lucky enough to have several people I can call my "person." Friends I've had for decades. We've shared life's ups and downs, from weddings and celebrations to divorces, losses, and heartbreaks. We've seen each other make choices that perhaps weren't the best, but we've stayed by each other's side anyway.
Because that's what friendship is. It's not about being perfect. It's about being there.
This week, I invited my yoga students to dedicate their practice to a dear friend. Perhaps someone who's been by their side for decades, someone who recently entered their life, or even a friend who is no longer with us. Because while people may leave our lives, the memories and love we shared remain with us forever.
My parents modeled the beauty of friendship for me. They each had friends who remained in their lives for decades, yet they continued to make new ones along the way.
My mother used to say she was too old to make new friends. But when she moved to Texas from New York after my dad passed away, guess what? She made many more wonderful friends!
And isn't that a beautiful reminder that we're never too old to form a new connection?
Like any meaningful relationship, friendship is about giving. The more we give, the more we receive. It's about caring deeply for another person, trusting them, and knowing they'll be there for us, even when life gets messy.
I have so much gratitude for the friends who have walked alongside me on my life's journey.
But I also know that loneliness is real, especially as we get older. Friends move away. Relationships change. We lose people we love. Sometimes we find ourselves wondering where our "person" is.
If that's where you are right now, I want to remind you that it's never too late to make a new friend.
It may mean stepping outside your comfort zone. Joining a group with people who share your interests. Taking a class. Starting a conversation with someone new.
And for those of us who've moved around and left dear friends behind, it's never too late to pick up the phone or schedule a Zoom call to reconnect.
You don't need dozens of friends. Sometimes one true friend is all it takes to remind you that you're not alone.
When it comes to friendship, quality matters so much more than quantity.
So as you go about your days, I invite you to think about the people who have been part of your life's journey. The ones you've chosen to walk alongside, and who have chosen to walk alongside you. Who's Your Person? That's the Miracle of True Friendship.
Perhaps today is a good day to reach out and let them know how much they mean to you.
And if you're lucky enough to have a "person," what a wonderful gift that is.
I'm especially lucky because I also get to call my mom my best friend.
Speaking of Mom, if you missed last week's Friday Flow, I introduced my new video podcast, Love Lilith: Wisdom from the Queen of Joy.
I'm excited to share that you can now listen to the audio version wherever you get your podcasts!
Click the button below to listen on Spotify, or find us on Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and iHeartRadio.
Phyllis Smith is the Founder & CEO of Rejuvecise. She is a Yoga Instructor and S.E.L.F Leadership Guide in the Dallas, Texas area. She is also the creator of the S.E.L.F. Empowerment framework, which develops SELF Leadership through the principles of Stability (physical, mental, emotional, spiritual), Environment, Love (self-compassion), and Friendship. Her life's work is helping others discover a sense of inner steadiness, self-trust, and serenity. She believes serenity is not about having a perfect life. It is about learning how to meet life with grace, courage, and clarity—no matter what arises. Click HERE to learn more about the variety of services offered by emailing Phyllis at Phyllis@rejuvecise.com and/or by clicking HERE for a FREE 30-minute discovery call today. (Services offered both in-person and on
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