On a recent two-day trip to Rome, a city I once called home in my late teens, I found myself reflecting on the passage of time and the value of friendships.
Lesson 1: Friendships are Priceless Being away from Rome for five years, I was filled with nostalgia as I walked down familiar streets and visited old hangout spots. The joy of reuniting with old friends and catching up reminded me of the preciousness of friendships. These relationships need to be nurtured and maintained, much like a beautiful garden. Just as we invest time and effort in cultivating a garden, we should also invest in our friendships, making an effort to be there for one another and mending broken relationships.
Lesson 2: Life Can Change Drastically in Five Years Five years can be both a long and short time. In these years, life can take drastic turns. Friends I once knew are now driving, getting married, running organisations, and buying their first homes. Meanwhile, we are also at a stage where our parents are aging, with fewer years left than they have lived. These changing realities highlight the transitional nature of our lives and remind us to cherish the moments we have with our loved ones.
Conclusion: The two-day trip to Rome was not just a journey back to a place I once lived, but also a journey of self-reflection. The lessons I learned – the importance of friendships and the drastic changes that can occur in just five years – will stay with me as I navigate the transitional stage of my life. Let these lessons be a reminder to all of us to cherish our friendships, embrace the passage of time, and make the most of the years we have.