A Sisterhood Without Borders
On threading life, curiosity and travel together
I just got off of a 2 hour phone call with one of my closest friends, Ana Paola. We have been life journeying together since 2011; me working in London, and she earning her Master’s degree in Brighton. When you live abroad, chosen family becomes essential. I feel grateful for all of the friendships that have carried me through my years outside of the States, and Ana Paola’s has been the most enduring.
What I cherish most is that we hold each other’s stories with so much tenderness. We are quiet, loving caretakers of memory. Because of that, we never need to explain or provide a backstory. We can just drop right in over a meal or cup of coffee, and get straight to the “good stuff”.
Ana Paola and I are both open to life as it mysteriously unfolds. There have been many twists and turns along the way, and we bring whatever is happening in our lives fully into our conversations. We have started some of the craziest projects, and somehow they always worked out. When we face a tricky decision, we reach into our box of memories like opening a game of Jumanji; pulling out clues, stories, and moments that guide us. Piece by piece we sort it, connect it; and out of the chaos, grounded decisions emerge. I find this to be so priceless. No judgment, no shame, just love.
Talking to Ana Paola today was really meaningful. As I shared updates on my move to Malta, it felt grounding to know that I have a friend across the Atlantic who is waiting for me there.
Asé
