Over the past 19 years, I have searched for my clique. Friends have come and gone as they please. Some people left in a hurry or put up a fight, while others simply moved away or lost touch. However, there were a handful of people who stuck around, and for them, I am eternally grateful. It's amazing how you can meet someone and not realize how big of an impact they may play in your life. At first, you are strangers and barely even know each other's last name. However, eventually your paths cross more and more often and you realize your similarities. You begin to trust these individuals, and from there, your friendship sprouts like a budding flower.

The most amazing part of a solid friendship is how, even when you are away from each other for a period of time, you can always pick right back up where you left off. You will always have each others' backs, and nobody can destroy that. When life gets tough, you are there for each other -you will do basically anything to make them happy and vice versa. The most genuine friendships can be created from virtually nothing, and that is one of the most beautiful parts of life.

Unfortunately, not all friendships are meant to last. Some people are destined to be a lesson learned, while others are only there for you when it is convenient for them. I want to remind you that this is okay. It is okay to fall away from old friends and become close with new people. In fact, it is completely normal, and it happens all the time. However, you also should be careful of who you pick and choose to remain friends with. Do your friends really have your back? If not, you should dump them and change friend groups. Do they make you happy? Never compromise your happiness. Do they ask you to change any part of yourself so that you can "fit in" with them? If so, they are not worth your time. You are unique, and you should never alter your personality or habits to make someone else happy.

Fortunately, there are always some sincere, authentic people in your life who have the best intentions for you. These are the people you should keep around. These people willingly go out of their way to help you, and they are always there to listen to you when you need someone to talk to. They make you laugh, and they never intentionally hurt you. They may argue with you or get annoyed with something you say or do, but at the end of the day, they are always there for you.

I just want to take a moment to thank my own friends who have stuck by my side through thick and thin. You guys mean the world to me. I am so blessed to have you in my life. You know who you are!