As my high school reunion was approaching I was trying to figure out what to say about the past ten years.

You may be familiar with the concept of bragging in front of your colleagues and teachers about your greatest achievements. Your successful husband, your attractive wife, your well behaved kids, the prestigious university you attended, the plethora of diplomas on your walls, the well oiled machine of a business that you own, the electric car that you drive and the exotic countries that you visited. Any one of these fulfilled goals could boost you in top five most accomplished people in your classroom.

As I went over the list and realized how far away from the ideal lifestyle I am, this realization hit me: does it really matter? Does having a seemingly perfect spouse make you happier? Does having walls full of diplomas make you more successful? Does driving an expensive car make you a better human being? Do you really want to be defined by the things you have instead of the person you are? The answer is, in short, no.

After realizing this, the next logical question was what matters? I know, a bit too philosophical and deep of a question for a high school reunion, but I was feeling contemplative, so bear with me. So, when do I feel most alive? When do I laugh so hard my stomach hurts? When do I feel most myself? When do all my problems disappear? When does the world really seem like a better place? When do I feel understood?

To all these questions there is only one answer: when I’m with my friends. And, thank God, I’m lucky enough to be surrounded by some great human beings, truly amazing, supportive, funny and loving people. The kind of people that make my eyes water with tears of joy just thinking how lucky I am to call them my friends. The kind of people that make me wonder what I did right to deserve such company.

When I tell others about how I met my best friend in secondary school and we are still best friends, how I keep in touch with about half my class from high school, how university helped me meet amazing and caring people who have a special place in my heart and how the three years of post-university studies brought even more amazing souls in my life, they are amazed.

The amazing part is that, as years go by, I feel our friendships growing even stronger. We are maturing together, we are more vulnerable and honest with one another, we can talk about deep meaningful subjects and just moments after we laugh so hard we can’t breathe. It’s amazing to see your childhood or high school friends growing up. It’s a blessing to say that you’ve known someone for seventeen years and they are still your best friend.

When I most needed help, they helped me. When I most needed to talk, they listened. When I most needed to laugh, they made a joke. When I most wanted to drink, they poured me a drink. When I most wanted to eat, they made some food. When I most wanted to stay silent, they stood silent with me. When I was vulnerable and defeat, they had my back. When I needed support, they held my hand.

That’s why my biggest accomplishment so far is my friendships. They make everything better. They make me a better person. And for that only, they have all my love and gratitude. Thank you! Love you with all my heart!