Show Up

Published author. Photographer. Certified teacher. Autoimmune warrior. World traveler with many more places to go. In constant pursuit of a life of imperishable beauty. Living up her 20s. That’s my beautiful friend, Kelly.

Kelly grew up in upstate New York. She moved to Southern California during (and then after) college, where she found incredible community. Not long ago, Kelly made the move back East. She has literally had to start over, finding new friends and building new community. What does authentic friendship look like to her?

Authentic friendship in this season of my life looks like showing up, whether that be in person or through a heartfelt message or in whatever way, but just being available. It is a relationship that celebrates honesty even when things get hard, and finding someone who is willing to stand by your side as you walk through the deep, even if there are no words to say to make it better. It’s just being there. I think that is something that we all desire—is to find those people who are going to be there, no matter what.

No matter what season of life or relationships we are in, I am learning that showing up is the first step in community–finding it or maintaining it.

Love, Ali XO

This is part of a series called 31 Days of Authentic Friendship. Click here to see all posts.