They say that in a world full of insincerity, those who find loyal friends are truly fortunate. And I couldn't agree more.
Six months after my grandfather's passing and just before the world was overtaken by COVID-19, my parents, two of my siblings, and I moved to a new country.
For the first two years, I felt like an outsider. Transitioning from having a close-knit group of friends to having none at all was profoundly depressing.
To fill the void—the time I would have spent with friends—I worked two jobs for nearly three years. I indulged myself, developing a spending habit I dubbed "Treat yourself, because no one else will." While not inherently bad, it was a coping mechanism.
Despite my efforts, I struggled to make friends. Each attempt was met with silence or non-verbal rejections, which left me deeply saddened and eventually exhausted. I stopped trying, learned to prioritize my own needs, and gradually stopped caring about others. I built a world within myself that even my family couldn't penetrate.
When I first moved here, I was disheartened. My parents were always fighting, the girls at my first job were unkind, and the thought of starting over from scratch was painful. I even stopped communicating with them, learning to prioritize my mental well-being.
Back in the Philippines, I enjoyed outings, sleepovers, team-building events, and road trips. I loved shopping, dressing up, and spending time with friends. However, after moving here, all I did was work.
At my first job, I encountered many unkind individuals who mocked my accent, repeating my words to laugh at me. But that didn't deter me. I knew my worth and what I can bring to the table.
It took years to finally find people I could call friends, and that was when I moved to a new workplace. That move was scary for me because I didn't want more people to bully me, but eventually, that moved convinced me that indeed change is daunting because it often precedes something great. And honestly, I am proud of that move; it marked the turning point where everything changed and you will see through the pictures why.
In a world where true friendship can be rare, finding people who genuinely care and support you is a blessing. As I reflect on my journey, I recall the countless times I humbly prayed to God for divinely ordained friendships and when he gave me these people, good memories flooded.
To everyone who is struggling to find friends, remember that the journey begins with self-discovery. If you don't know what to pursue in life right now—pursue going on a solo journey with God. Embrace solitude and work on personal growth. Engage in solitary activities that allows you to form a deeper connection with yourself. Also, consider going to the church and initiate joining groups, clubs, classes, or community groups that align with your interests.
Friendship is the bridge that connects hearts across all boundaries.
I am looking forward to meeting the members of the Lavish Club , in February! Looks like good times had by good friends! Beautiful people, and travel adventure buddies!
ReplyDeleteThis blog is so professional, and well put together. Great graphic design Marie !