Good morning from New York City. What’s on my mind this morning is the power and beauty and importance of friendship. We just came off of a long weekend in the United States and I rented a car with the intention of connecting live and in person with as many friends as I could. Unfortunately, many of my friends live outside of New York City, and while we exchange messages and have some nice conversation, nothing quite takes the place of being in the presence of a friend. One of the cool things is I connected with friends I’ve known for over 40 years and I connected with a friend who I met six months ago.

I think sometimes people glorify friendship, and I’d like to say that I have friends I’ve known for six months and friends I’ve known for 50 years. I’m not saying that they’re the same, of course. There is a lot to be said for those people that have known you at your best and at your worst, people with whom you have history and speak in shorthand. But I’m a strong believer in new friendships and being open to new friendships.

I like to think of myself as someone who gifts her friendship freely. It’s a loving act and not all friends and friendships are equal, but that doesn’t make one more or less important than the other. Making new friends, introducing friends, forgiving friends, including new people in your circle. It’s all good. Friendship is a gift.

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