Growing Up, Moving On, Staying Connected

source: Louis Iruela

It’s easy to lose touch with people after leaving school.

Life has its way of pulling us in different directions, whether that’s having a 9-5 right after university, moving out of state, outside of the country - even leaving the city can make a big difference in the frequency in which we interact with each other.

I’ve noticed that maintaining relationships as an adult requires a conscious effort. School was different, making plans was almost effortless—you could grab dinner after class or attend an event together without much thought. Now, work, personal commitments, and other relationships take up a significant amount of time and energy. What’s interesting is that this shift forces you to take a more honest look at your priorities. You begin to understand what—and who—you’re willing to make time for.

In our early to mid-twenties, everyone seems to be moving through life at a different pace. For some, it’s the time to grind and work hard by building a strong foundation in their careers; for others, it’s a chance to travel and experience as much as possible before returning to school if pursing higher education, or landing a full time job; for some, it’s about hustling because life has left them with no other choice, especially if people depend on them.

With so many competing responsibilities, choosing who we spend time with, and how often, raises an important question: How much of a priority are relationships for you right now, and how willing are you to make them work?