As I stood in my kitchen, waiting for the water to boil to make myself a cup of coffee, I instinctively reached for my phone and opened Instagram. The first post that appeared was from Mel Robbins. It was a picture of her beaming smile with a big note next to it that read something like: "My circle of friends is getting smaller, and it's no longer a circle. It's a dot."
I couldn’t help but smile; a big, knowing smile because I could totally relate. My circle of friends had also shrunk, reduced to what now felt like a dot. But instead of feeling lonely, I felt a profound sense of peace. It was a realization that settled warmly in my chest. Maybe this is exactly what I need right now. Maybe, for this season of my life, a dot is the perfect shape for my friendships.
Then, I thought about how much I now enjoy solitude, not as an escape but as a choice. Even when I go on trips with friends, I find myself relishing the quiet moments, watching the clouds drift, soaking in the lush green landscapes, and listening to the sounds of nature. Conversations, when they happen, feel more meaningful. I crave deep, enriching discussions over idle chatter that leaves me drained.
It was just like the other day when my cousin invited me for a power walk. As we reached a quieter path with fewer people around, she asked me a simple question: "How has 2025 been treating you so far?"
