Friends

Tonight, we had a health scare at the Eat, Pray, Love AirBnB. One of my friends ended up feeling so lightheaded she thought she was going to pass out. Since I’ve been on a health and workout binge for months, I had no sugar and ran around in a panic asking other tenants for help. By the time I got back to my friend’s room, we were surrounded.

Our meditation guru stood by and offered words of guidance. Two sisters brought over rice milk from their country loaded with sweet agave. The property owner whipped up a smoothie out of fresh veggies and fruit from her garden. Our Japanese resident sat quietly nearby ensuring a constant eye kept watch. I took care of ensuring she was comfortable, while checking in on her throughout the night.

Once everyone had left the room, my friend and I exchanged knowing glances of gratitude over the loving collective response. How do a group of strangers start to feel like family or friends you’ve known for ages after only one month? Is it our shared humility, kindness, or appreciation for life?

It’s interesting this question presented itself on the same day a similar but deeper connection was being put to the test. A month can feel like a lifetime if individuals are truly open and genuine in their intent. The strongest connections have the power to traverse time and space.

Last night, I walked to the back and found a delicious Argentinian cafesito, a warm hug, and an interesting night with a friend. This was followed by a few laughs with another, a talk with a childhood bestie, and culminated into hours navigating sometimes unnerving but welcome depth.

Surround yourself with individuals who speak a similar language and vibrate on the same frequency. People who truly get you. Those who stand beside you no matter what life throws your way.

I live in a beautiful city full of shiny people who build connections based on status and how they stand to benefit from manufactured encounters. Relationships built on transactional exchanges that take place in networks devoid of real humanity. Try not to waste too much time or energy on the inorganic.

Despite the shiny exterior, Miami has hidden underbellies where authenticity is valued and friendships are formed out of love. Relationships are reciprocal in nature. These are the only types of connections worth having. Never settle for anything less.