Hey there, my name is Keisonga and welcome to Radio Headspace.
It's a terrific Tuesday.
Today, I wanted to talk about human connection, specifically the significance of friendship
and the impact that one special person or a group of persons platonic or romantic can
have on our lives.
Those relationships that are so special because they make us feel seen and valued.
So this topic came to me when I was going through some old boxes in my office.
Now I'm not a hoarder by any means, but I can admit that I do like to hold on to momentos,
especially momentos that are from special moments in my life.
As I opened this one particular box and paired inside of it, it was like I was instantly
transported back to the summer of 1994.
I can just picture the flashback scene in a movie.
In the box was a certificate of achievement I had received from Cornell University.
It was for participating in their National High School Summer School program that they
held every year for rising seniors in high school.
The program allowed rising seniors from all over the country to take college classes
during the summer term and earn some extra college credit.
Coming from the Bronx Projects, this was just an amazing opportunity.
It was my first introduction to independence before actually going away to college.
And it was my first time away from the big city.
This Cornell is located in the beautiful mountains of upstate Ithaca, New York.
In this box was also a picture of two guys named Pernel and Allen.
They were both also from New York, Harlem and Long Island respectively, and the three
of us instantly bonded that summer.
Even though I had just met them, it felt as though I had known them my entire life.
We just clicked.
It was the first time in my life that I felt completely comfortable with other dudes.
We told each other deep secrets.
We had deep conversations and we felt thoroughly comfortable acting the fool in front of each
other with no judgment.
It was true friendship.
It's wild because after the summer program ended and we parted ways, we never really
kept up with each other.
We hung out once in Harlem one night, but after that I totally lost touch with Pernel,
and I spoke to Allen I think once back in 99 when I graduated from college.
It says if that friendship served its purpose just for that summer.
To this day I find that very, very interesting.
I actually find the whole subject of friendship quite interesting.
As my therapist would say, let's talk about it.
The word friendship itself is a profound and impactful word.
It's like it automatically invokes thoughts and or feelings of connection, trust and understanding.
I personally think friendship is about finding someone who gets you, who accepts you without
judgment, and who in their unique way makes the world a little brighter.
There is a childhood friend who you've known through all your awkward phases, or a new
companion like my buddy's Pernel and Allen, who feels like they've been in your life forever.
One thing is for sure, the bond of friendship is something truly special.
But why?
Why is friendship so important?
Well, I think for starters, friends can serve as our anchors in this chaotic world that we
find ourselves in.
They offer a safe space to be ourselves without judgment.
You know that friend who can just make you laugh until your stomach hurts, even on your
worst days?
That healing laughter that seems to make everything right again.
For the friend who listens without interrupting, offering that comforting shoulder to lean on.
In fact, I just read an article that discussed a Harvard study that revealed that positive
relationships keeps us happier and healthier and also helps us to live longer.
These are the connections that enrich our lives and remind us that we're not alone in this
sometimes overwhelming world.
Anything that kind of special person or person in your life, whether it's a friend or even
a romantic partner, it brings a unique kind of comfort.
If someone you can share your dreams and fears with, someone who shares you on, and someone
who supports you through thick and thin.
This person makes you feel seen like you're not just another face in the crowd.
They know your quirks and love you for them.
There's a sense of belonging that comes with that kind of relationship.
It's really a beautiful feeling.
I think the beauty of having this kind of special person in your life is that they remind
you of yourself worth.
They help you to see yourself in a new light.
When you have someone who believes in you, it becomes easier to believe in yourself.
And that's a powerful thing.
And I know that I continue to say some one, but perhaps you've looked out like I did at
Cornell University that summer, and you have more than one person you can call a true
friend.
So, as I wrap up today's episode, I want to leave you with a gentle invitation.
Take a moment to reach out to that special person or persons in your life, whether it's
a friend, a partner, or a family member.
Let them know how much they mean to you and set the intention to strengthen those bonds
because these relationships are what can help you in giving our lives meaning and joy.
Alrighty, thank you for joining me today on this journey through the world of friendship
and special connections.
Tomorrow, I think I'll touch on what one of my former clients was dealing with in relation
to friendships, and that's change.
And for now, I hope you enjoyed this episode and be sure to send me any questions I came
up for you.
My Instagram is at Ksonga Gaskomba, or you can email me at askksongaatheadspace.com.
Looking forward to connecting with you again tomorrow.
