Ever look back at some of your old torn-up relationships and wonder what could have been done differently to retain them? Do you ever find yourself suddenly confused or frustrated about particular series of events and moments that you shared with specific people?

I often find myself thinking about these kinds of situations and wonder what it would be like to turn back the clock for a day and get the chance to face certain circumstances with a different mindset. It’s funny how time has a way of healing broken friendships and shaping the way we think about relationships, life, ambitions, simple pleasures, our goals for the future and most importantly, love.

We often find ourselves caught up in the “what-ifs” and “if only’s” of our past, and somewhere along the way we forget to live in the moment. Live in the right now. Embrace every single moment of your time with the people you hold close to your heart, because one day those moments will all seem like a distant blur, and those people will become strangers that painted your past and contributed in some way to your growth as an individual.

Aside from the ongoing religious symbolism that Gurkow’s article entitled “You Only Live Once” presents, it does highlight some crucial points that are necessary to consider. Not only does it pertain to struggles between friends and family, but it also challenges our psychological capabilities to deal with various, and sometimes unpleasant, state of affairs.

“Most conflict is sparked by an affront to our dignity, and most grudges are nursed to protect a bruised ego. A trusted friend makes an insensitive comment, a family member lets us down when we are particularly vulnerable and needy: these are the kinds of episodes that spark long-held grudges.” (Gurkow, 2012)

After recently traveling throughout Europe for seven weeks, I find myself reflecting on the importance of true friendship and the notion of self respect.