My beloved mentor recently shared with me a meaningful and beautifully written article by Michael Kouly.
Despite being caught up in workloads and long hours, I'm reminded of how grateful I am for the wonderful support around me; even from former colleagues.
I used to think that colleagues were just that: people you work with, and eventually, people you used to know. While that understanding isn't entirely wrong, it's not completely right either.
Some people genuinely care, even years after no longer being on the same team, they still check in, offer support, and remind you that connection doesn’t always fade with time.
We may not talk every day, but when we do, it feels like no time has passed.
Some may struggle with this version of adult friendship, but to me, it’s real, and I deeply appreciate those who’ve stayed in my corner.
Here’s the article! I hope you find it as inspiring as I did.
And don’t forget to share it with those you care about. 😊
In the relentless pursuit of professional success— titles, portfolios, investments — we often misidentify our true wealth. The best assets aren’t stocks or skills; they’re the people who genuinely love and care for you. And these aren’t limited to family or close friends; they could be anybody—a mentor from a chance meeting, a colleague who checks in during tough times, even a stranger whose kindness sparks lasting connection, and most recently, your academy cohort. Recognizing and nurturing these bonds isn’t sentimental—it’s strategic for enduring fulfillment and resilience. (Read this again)
Material assets depreciate or vanish, but human connections compound value. Lose a high-value client or gadget? Recoverable. Lose someone who enters and enriches your life? The void lingers, eroding well-being. The Harvard Grant Study, spanning 85 years, concludes: Positive relationships drive happiness, health, and longevity more than any material gain. Director Robert Waldinger says, “Good relationships keep us happier and healthier. Period.”
This echoes attachment theory by John Bowlby: Humans are wired for emotional bonds; their presence fosters security, their absence profound loss. The World Health Organization equates social isolation’s mortality risk to smoking 15 cigarettes daily—worse than obesity.
Treat caring people as irreplaceable assets. Seek them beyond obvious circles—networking events, online communities, daily interactions. Express gratitude, invest time. Communicate openly, resolve conflicts. Remember, mature people. Audit your “portfolio”. Who truly cares? Invite more “anybodies” in to help you become and grow as “somebody”
Bottom line: People who love you are your best assets—cherish, protect, love and cultivate them for a richer life. (Read this twice, reflect and msg someone you wish to keep in your life)
Don’t you think?
Michael
GCA
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