Simply the best

I have always considered myself to be a good friend. To me, that meant available, compassionate, loving, giving and kind - and that looked like me "being there," listening, consoling, laughing, being helpful, giving gifts and expressing love and gratitude. "Friend" is a badge I have worn with honor, and "Best Friend" has been a sacrosanct appellation worn with humility and uttered with respect.

As a society, we have come to define best friend as your "go-to," the one who knows your deepest darkest secrets and the most intimate details of your life. The one who can finish your sentences and knows how to order for you in a restaurant. The one you laugh with and cry with the most. The one who walks in when everyone else walks out.

I have recently redefined what best friend means to me. A best friend is the friend who knows your soul and the morals that define you, whether they know the stories of your life or not. A best friend is the friend who tries on the burdens you struggle with before offering consolation. A best friend is the friend who stands in their truth and asks that you do the same. A best friend is the friend standing quietly beside me offering courage as I contemplate crossing the barriers of my own making, knowing they cannot cross it for me. A best friend is the friend who sets aside judgement to embrace all of who I am, not just my brilliance. A best friend is the friend who is there to help me manifest who and what I am in this world, not in the role of cheerleader or counselor, but as a soul-mate who is on the same journey. A best friend is the friend who is authentic, even when that realness might seem harsh or detrimental. A best friend is the friend who knows my weaknesses and doesn't ignore, diminish or exploit them, but accepts them as part of my life lessons. A best friend isn't, as I have always thought, the person picking me up and brushing me off when I fall - they are the friend allowing me to pick myself up, supporting me by holding the very best version of who I am in their heart with overwhelming love and compassion. Thanks besty . . .