“You’ve got a friend in me”…when that expression crosses your ears, it’s impossible not to associate it with Randy Newman’s lyrics. A song that I feel revolves around the dedication we offer to the individuals we consider our friends and the confidence we place in them. It entails standing by one another in both favorable and unfavorable circumstances, and unwaveringly supporting each other, regardless of the situation.

During a good part of this past summer, I found myself in the vibrant nation of Portugal. While taking my daily strolls looking to capture life in motion, I often encountered women from the baby boomer generation engaged in friendly interactions and conversations.

In the photographs I took, you’ll observe the unwavering eye contact, focused listening, and heartfelt care these women have for each other. Authentic, in-person conversations under the natural sunlight. Undoubtedly, this contributes to their prolonged lifespan and mental well-being.

This led me to contemplate the significance of friendships and the crucial role of having a strong network of female support. I’ve witnessed numerous friends and acquaintances enter and exit my life over the years , echoing the adage that some enter for a reason, a season, or a lifetime. As I transition into middle age, I’ve become quite discerning about where I invest my energy. In my younger days, my desire for acceptance, popularity, and social connections often led to one-sided friendships where I exerted excessive effort to sustain them.

I currently aspire to preserve a close-knit inner circle of authentic and sincere friends, much like the women depicted in the photos, who genuinely and wholeheartedly support each other. Among the younger generations and even my own as a Gen X, I observe some unnecessary competition and jealousy. The true, unwavering “I’ve got your back” sentiment is sadly not as readily available.

The goal is to uncover your community, your tribe, if you will. Seeking out friends who applaud each other’s achievements, inspire personal growth, enhance your life, engage in profound listening, and, above all, stand by your side through both the highs and lows.

Randy Newman says it best…

🎵”You’ve got a friend in me
You’ve got a friend in me
You got troubles, and I got ’em too
There isn’t anything I wouldn’t do for you
We stick together and we see it through
‘Cause you’ve got a friend in me
You’ve got a friend in me”🎵

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