The Ties That Bind: The Wins

Have you experienced that moment when someone reminds you of your birthday without hitting Facebook’s reminder button or the generic posting on Social Media? Or when your friend brings over your favorite cup of coffee just for no reason? These times – it’s just pure magic. They’re the fabrics that knit our friendships together into something truly wonderful, and frankly, they deserve more time than we normally pay them.

Let’s focus on those milestones. We are all well-acquainted with birthdays, but what counts is how we revel in them. Not everything needs to be monumental – there’s nothing quite like that midnight text “Happy Birthday, you rock!”. These celebrations? They aren’t parties – they’re deposits in our bank of friends that continue to yield dividends.

As far as tradition goes, let’s talk about traditions. Whether it’s your annual “Friendsgiving” where everyone brings their greatest culinary disaster, or that monthly lunch where you resolve all the world’s problems (or at least try). They’re not mere routine meetings – they’re your friend’s moves, the gravy that renders your friendship unique. But believe me, these traditions become the stories you’ll laugh about years later.

What about the things we say – or don’t say. “I’m proud of you.” You handled that amazingly. “Your insight is legendary.” Simple? Yes. Powerful? Absolutely. These are not just compliments; they’re verbal high-fives that make someone’s day. And the best part? They’re free!

What we don’t often consider: not all celebrations involve confetti and a party (although, frankly, that would be pretty cool). Perhaps your friend finally decluttered their garage after three years of talking about it. Celebrate it! Or they learned how to churn out the perfect grilled cheese. That’s worth a victory dance! These small wins? They’re the foundations of greater achievements.

And here’s the kicker – when you become that other person who gets people on their pedestal, it works. It spreads. Just like the time you cheered for your friend’s new blog and they’re suddenly supporting their cousin’s art show, who in turn supports their neighbor’s landscape project. You’ve just set off a celebration ripple! Like letting someone out in traffic, it pays forward. 

So here is my challenge to you: Be that party starter. Be the friend who sees the silver lining, who delivers the cupcakes by surprise, who sends the appreciate you text. Because in an increasingly burdened world we need more people that can let the light into the good.

But, you know, it doesn’t matter how big the party is – it’s just coming out and saying, “hey, I’m over here, and this is what you’re doing.” Those moments? It is they who transform everyday friendships a solid base brother or sister.

And trust me, just like that letter years later I received from the summer camp camper, you never know how your small gesture of joy might resonate in someone’s life. So don’t hesitate – be that person who makes others happy. More of that kind of pleasure is needed in the world.

You are friends. It is okay to support each other. 

P.S. So if you’re reading this and  have a friend  who you feel has to be celebrated right now – yes, here’s your invitation to text or call. Go spread some joy!