The topic of relationship comes up a lot when we think of change. That’s because our connection with friends and family are so fluid and shifting all of the time.

With this said, a few thoughts come to mind when I think about these important experiences we have with others:

Tend to your relationships as you would your own garden, with love, attention, consistency and care.

Be open to their lessons and allow them to grow and flourish. Find balance in the give and take and never let others fly too close to the sun. Protect them with love and honesty.

Surround yourself with people who make you laugh and let you cry. Share with them your hopes and dreams, challenges and failures and let them do the same as you find shades of yourselves in one another.

Choose the ones that fiercely support your well-being and weed out the ones unable to see the beauty in your journey.

Above all, cherish those who listen to what you have to say with an open heart and a discerning ear. They are your biggest allies. Steadfast in their loyalty but not afraid to you call you out on your own BS.

The most important relationships you will have in life are the ones that will refrain from coddling and appeasing you.

They are the ones who will show you your truth.