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Writer's pictureOanh Kim

Navigating Life's Changes: Parting Ways with a Dear Friend

"The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance." - Alan Watts

As I sit down to write this, my heart feels heavy yet strangely at peace, for the journey of life has led me to a crossroad that I never anticipated – bidding farewell to a cherished best friend. Life's twists and turns have taken us on different paths, each of us forging our own way, and while it's a natural progression, it's not without its bittersweet moments.


Breaking up with a best friend is a concept that often gets overshadowed by romantic breakups, yet the ache in your heart can be just as profound. There's no anger, no resentment, no betrayal – just a quiet realization that we don't quite fit together like the puzzle pieces we once were. It's a complex sentiment – okay on one hand, but simultaneously, it tugs at your soul.


We weren't destined for this parting because of some great wrongdoing or falling out. In fact, our journey has been devoid of any such drama. We simply find ourselves on divergent paths, divergent dreams, and divergent aspirations. I find solace in the fact that no bridges were burned, no words left unsaid, just an understanding that the bonds we once held are morphing into memories.


What weighs heavily on my heart is the realization that as the years go by, life can guide us away from those who once meant the world to us. Our friendship was a sanctuary of shared laughter, secrets, and understanding, but the sands of time have shifted our priorities. My focus has shifted towards my role as a parent, nurturing and guiding my children as they take their first steps in this world. Meanwhile, my dear friend is still embracing the single life, still in pursuit of their unique happiness and life path.


As the years advance, the landscape of friendships undergoes a transformation. Gone are the days of effortlessly building a circle of confidantes, replaced by a discerning filter that allows only the most genuine and enduring connections to flourish. It's not that I've become more selective, but rather that life has become busier, and my energy reserves have grown more precious.


They say that people enter our lives for a reason, and I hold onto that truth. Each connection serves a purpose – whether it's to teach us a lesson, to spark growth, or to steer us in a new direction. Not every person who graces our journey is meant to stay until the final chapter, but the mark they leave is no less significant.


It's a paradox of life that the very thing that enriches us – personal growth – can also lead to the fading of certain relationships. We find ourselves walking different trajectories, yet the memories of shared moments will forever reside within us. It's heartbreaking to acknowledge that the pages of our shared story are turning, but it's also a testament to the ebb and flow of existence.


As I write these words, a sense of acceptance washes over me. Our paths may have diverged, but the essence of what we once were remains a part of me. The bond that was once the center of my world might no longer be the focal point, but it will always occupy a cherished place in the tapestry of my life.


TRUTH: As I navigate this new chapter, I hold onto the lessons learned, the laughter shared, and the growth that bloomed from our friendship. It's a reminder that life is a series of chapters, and not all characters are meant to remain throughout the entirety of the story. And even though the circle of those I hold closest grows smaller, its brilliance shines brighter, for the connections that remain burn with an unwavering flame.

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