Alarice's Authentic Journeys

There’s something powerful about showing up.

Recently, I traveled a long way for the wedding of a dear friend. Between work, family logistics, school activities, and everything else life seems to throw at us this time of year, it would have been easy to say, “We’ll celebrate from afar.” But rather, all of us immediately said “Yes, we will be there for our friend.”

The moment I arrived, I was reminded why these moments matter so deeply.

You could feel it immediately. The love between the couple. The joy radiating from their families. The friendships that had stood the test of time. The stories. The laughter. The hugs that lasted just a little longer because life moves so fast these days and we don’t always get enough time together.

And for a few days, something beautiful happened… We were fully present (in an absolutely gorgeous setting nonetheless).

It made me realize how much we all crave this.

In a world where we can text instantly, like a photo in seconds, and watch people’s lives unfold online every day, it’s easy to mistake staying updated for staying connected. But real relationships are built differently. They’re built in the moments where we physically, emotionally, and intentionally show up for one another.

Showing up is not always convenient. It costs time, energy, money, and planning. But the return is immeasurable.

Because when you show up for people during the moments that matter most—weddings, celebrations, losses, milestones, hard seasons, and transitions—you strengthen something deeper than friendship. You build trust, belonging, and a shared life.

And maybe the greatest surprise is that showing up doesn’t just fill the other person’s cup. It fills yours, too.

Somewhere between the conversations, the dancing, the stories from a decade ago (yikes!), and the quiet moments watching two people surrounded by the people who love them most, I felt reconnected to something we often lose sight of in adulthood.

Relationships with friends are the real wealth.

These friends knew you before your career title, celebrate your wins, and remind you of who you are when life gets chaotic.

As we get older, life becomes fuller and more complicated. Careers grow. Families grow. Responsibilities multiply. And friendship can unintentionally become something we assume will always be there without maintenance.

Meaningful relationships don’t sustain themselves accidentally. They require intention, effort, and presence. Sometimes they require a long trip. And when you make it there, you remember that this is what life is about.

Maybe we all need that reminder more often.