Chantelle Cobby

Try as I might to resist it, I - like most Gen Z’s - am prone to the occasional distraction à la social media. In the spirit of transparency, I started writing this 27 minutes ago, and have already swiped through 15 Instagram stories and opened TikTok three times. And yes, every time I have PROMISED myself that I’ll scroll for Just. One. More.

Whoever suggested that our friends are the family we choose was onto something. Because seriously, gals, if there’s one thing this (elder) Gen Z knows to be true, it’s that friendships can serve as an anchor through any storm. By now, you’ve probably heard that proverb about how some friends come into your life for a reason, others for a season, and a few for a lifetime. Which is, of course, to say that there are many types of friendship - and they all bring something meaningful into your life.

For years, “be more present” has made an appearance on my list of New Year’s resolutions (yes, right up there with “drink more water” and “start journaling”). But despite my best intentions – and the three mindfulness books that continue to sit unopened on my shelf – a sense of presence is something I remain yet to fully grasp.