Life Is Not Meant to Be Lived Alone

My pastor always says, “Life is not meant to be lived alone.” For years, I didn’t truly understand how powerful that simple statement was. As professionals, especially those of us building careers, climbing ladders, or running our own businesses, we often pour so much of ourselves into work that relationships accidentally take a back seat. The drive to achieve can become so loud that the people who matter most get our leftovers.

This weekend, I slowed down. I spent real, intentional time with friends laughing, talking, making memories I genuinely want to hold onto. And it hit me: I haven’t always been this person. I wasn’t always a good friend. I spent so many years chasing goals and accomplishments that I didn’t realize how many meaningful moments I was missing.

Accomplishments are wonderful. They’re worth celebrating. They may even be remembered when we’re gone. But the relationships we build the joy we share, the people we show up for those are the things that truly outlast us.

If you're a busy professional or business owner wondering how to build lasting relationships while juggling everything else, here are a few simple habits that can make a big difference:

1. Check in on your friends, consistently.

It doesn’t have to be a long message. Send a quick “thinking of you,” a funny meme, a simple hello or I loved your LinkedIn post. Those small touches remind people they matter.

2. Set reminders because life gets busy so use tools that help.

If a friend is preparing for surgery, has a big interview coming up, or is going through something heavy, set a reminder to send them an encouraging note. Care doesn’t have to be complicated; it just has to be intentional.

3. Show up. Really show up.

I’ll never forget the day a friend told me she didn’t invite me to her birthday party because she assumed I wouldn’t come. I was always “too busy.” That broke my heart. I never wanted another friend to feel that way again.

Since then, I show up whenever I can. I support. I cheer loudly. I make time, even when work feels demanding.

Life truly isn’t meant to be lived alone.

Careers fade, job titles change, businesses evolve—but real relationships remain. As we grow older and wiser, we learn that the most meaningful parts of life are found in the moments we share, not just the milestones we achieve.

So reach out. Return the call. Make the coffee date. Celebrate the birthday. Cheer for your friends.

Your future self and your friends will thank you.