I often write of friendships. Those relationships I’ve built, curated, nurtured, celebrated, and loved (and lost) over the many years of my life are all a part of who I am today. Who I’ve become, how I’ve grown, and how I view the world.

But, the truth is, I wouldn’t be who I am in this moment, or any other moment, without you in my life. There are traits, characteristics, world views, and perspectives that I wouldn’t have if I didn’t experience the joy of having you in my life.

Recently, I ran across this song from the musical “Waitress.” I heard it a couple times before it really caught my attention. There’s a stanza within the song that broke through, caused me to stop and think, to take a deep breath, and remember what matters most in life:

Because you matter to me
Simple and plain and not much to ask from somebody
You matter to me
I promise you do, you, you matter too
I promise you do, you’ll see
You matter to me

(Here’s the song if you want to take a listen)

It’s important, in every moment, to recognize the relationships you’ve experienced, even if those have caused you pain at some point in your life. Friends do grow apart, it’s a natural ebb and flow of life. However, it is super important to realize how simple movements, moments, or actions, have an impact to others, too.

I have been selfish lately. I needed to be. I needed protection from myself and my impact on others. I needed to retreat, recharge, and reassess many parts of my life. I’ve emerged a better person, to do so, I needed to find comfort in myself, find safety in my isolation. Sometimes the hardest person to be around is yourself, all alone, in the stillness of the night. I miss my community, I miss my tribe. I know I’ve been distant.

I’m getting better. I’m stronger, getting stronger still.

But, this is not about me.

This is about you.

And you matter to me.