I did not grow up with a best friend or experience the type of bonding childhood shenanigans depicted in films such as Stand By Me or The Sandlot. And it bothered me for a very long time. Despite being liked in school and moving easily between groups of people, I felt very isolated. I struggled with depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. I struggled with the reality that life was nothing like the novels I enjoyed reading.
When I reached my lowest point, I knew that only I could affect how I interacted with the world and how I felt about myself. It wasn't an easy thing, or a quick thing. Something that helped me especially was deciding to view everything as a possible adventure. It was like writing the book of my life, and I wanted to ensure there were exciting chapters worth reading.
I was lucky enough to connect with a few great people in high school; the type of people I consider family, who I will love and cherish for the rest of my life. I also (finally) found my best friend, that part of me that seemed to be missing, in college. I had waited so long for that feeling of connection, of knowing another person before even meeting them. I discovered that it exists. It is real. I just needed the patience.
When you find people who make your life better, more enjoyable, easier to manage, spending time with them can be a type of catharsis. And it can help reaffirm that you are worthwhile, especially during times when you can't muster that feeling yourself.
Hold on to the people and the experiences that make you happy, that remind you who you can be.
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| Date Night, 2008 |
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| A celebration of the highest order, 2018 |
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| Lakewood Park (2009) |
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| Chautauqua Lake (2012) |
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| Ohio Pinball Show (2017) |
You can see more photos from our impromptu adventures in my collection Adventures with Cole.
