"Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another, 'What! You too? I thought I was the only one.'"
~ C.S. Lewis
FRIENDSHIP.
It is something we often take for granted until we’re standing in a new place, trying to figure out where we fit in. I’ve seen and heard so many people talk about how difficult it is to make new friends as an adult - "good" friends, the kind you can truly trust, laugh with, and count on to show up when you need them. I get it.
Two years ago, I made a huge life change. I left the world I’d known for 17+ years - my work family, the daily rhythm, the familiar faces - and I jumped head-first into something completely new. In making the switch from the medical device industry to real estate, my entire workday, and with it, my social circle, shifted. The people who were once part of my every day are still important to me, but they’re not in the day-to-day shuffle of my life anymore. That change was HARD. Fortunately, I’ve been lucky enough to build new connections, reconnect with old friends, and expand my circle in ways I never expected.
It didn’t happen overnight. It’s taken effort - determined effort. Through volunteering (thank you Rotary, Colorado FIRST, & CO4NU!) and getting deeply involved in the real estate world (coaching, events, committees, you name it), I’ve found my footing once again. I haven’t replaced my old circle - I could NEVER replace the amazing people who helped me grow and supported me over the years, but I have significantly expanded it. My heart and my life have room for more people, and I’m constantly reminded of how important it is to surround yourself with good friends, people who lift you up, make you laugh, and support you unconditionally.
I know it’s not that easy for everyone. Not everyone finds it easy to jump into new situations, to put themselves out there, to connect with strangers and turn them into friends. And that’s OKAY. We all have our own pace. If you’re reading this and nodding along, feeling like it’s been hard for you to break into a new social circle, I hear you. I see you. And I want you to know there are ways to make those connections, to find your people.
My best advice? Find your passion and go all in. If you love volunteering, join a group like Rotary (and if you’re in my area, we would love for you to join us!). If you have kids, get involved with their activities - parent groups are full of wonderful people waiting to meet someone like you. If you’re passionate about your work, lean into industry events, committees, or leadership programs. The key is to find something you care about, because when you meet people who share that same passion, the connection comes more naturally.
People need people. And my circle? It’s never too big! There’s always room for one more. I love getting to know new people, learning about their lives, and figuring out how we can support each other’s goals. For 2025, my top goal is to bring even more people into this circle of mine - to build a network of friends and confidants where everyone feels welcomed and appreciated. But why wait? I’m starting now. In fact, I’m working on organizing a social event to take place this Fall...more on that soon.
Life is better when we share it with others, so make sure there's always room for one more.
