IT'S THE SMALL THINGS It is amazing what some quiet and down time can do – even the kind that happens when you are stuck in traffic and have the leisure to scroll through social media or group chats. Catching up physically with dear friends you have not been able to see face to face in two years (because of the pandemic and well, because life happens) can end up being the most pleasant surprise of your week. This encounter is made even more beautiful when you realize that while so much (and this is quite the understatement even given that a whole pandemic and national election has transpired in between) has changed and happened, more has stayed the same. Cliché as it may sound, you know a friendship is real and comfortable when you can just pick up where you have left off. Conversations with likeminded individuals are always refreshing. Not only do you share the same thoughts, views and feelings, going through similar scenarios and situations in life, and then exchanging opinions on what has transpired is always eye-opening. A shared perspective can oftentimes lead to a whole new realization – a profound treasure chest of us lessons, learnings and ideas. We may take these for granted, or they may simply be thoughts that skip our mind when we are overwhelmed with too much emotion, or happenings. So if there are three things I re-affirmed to myself this week, in no particular order, let me share them with you. First, that God will never let a good man down. Although the path to achieving one’s goals, dreams and ultimately success is never linear, some definitely have it harder than others. It may take a waterfall of tears, indescribable frustration and helpless moments, but at the end of the day, after a roller coaster ride of emotions and uncertainties, God will always reward those who pray, are faithful to and serve Him. It is once again about surrendering to His greater plan, and trusting in what He has in store for you. Second, that the way someone makes you feel, and the manner in which someone treats you, or other people, is a greater reflection of their character, than it is of yours. Human beings are a complex and peculiar specie, and there really is no way of learning how to maneuver life properly than to actually live it, keep your circles small, and really choose the people you look up to as mentors and trust. And lastly, that at the end of the day, love heals (with time), and love will unite. After all, it is the strongest universal force that each and every one of us knows, and albeit in varying degrees is capable of giving and receiving. Quoting the genius himself Albert Einstein in the letter he wrote to his daughter, “When we learn to give and receive this universal energy… we will have affirmed that love conquers all, is able to transcend everything and anything, because love is the quintessence of life.” Let me end this by saying that to love, and be loved, can be the simplest, or the most complex aspects of our lives, at different times. But at the end of the day, we underestimate its importance in our well-being, and ultimately, in our lives. Let us love unhesitatingly those who deserve our love.