Synchronicity

Synchronicity: A non-causal connection between two or more various phenomena (psychic and/or physical). --Psychologist Carl Jung

Or in simpler language: a meaningful coincidence.

When I reflect on the idea of synchronicity, I am grateful for the impact it has had on my life, particularly in regard to friendships over the years. Some of my best and/or most interesting friendships have been the result of synchronicity:

How I met and became friends with Nicole: Back in 1998 I think, I went to Mardi Gras with this girl Tiffani. We went with a group of people, Nicole being one of those people. Never thought I'd see the girl again. One summer semester a year later after I had transferred to Southwest Texas State, I walk into a self defense/karate class. Who was sitting there? Nicole! She became my best friend in college. :)

How I became friends with Melissa: I was at Friar Tuck one night with my friend Paul. I think I went to the bar to get another drink and he was talking to two women. He introduced me to them and I chatted a bit with Melissa and her sister-in-law at the time (Mary). She had just moved to Chicago from Florida and turned out she lived just 5 minutes away from me. We exchanged phone numbers, as she was new and wanting to meet people/make friends. I didn't think I'd hear from her, but she called me later that week. I thought she was (and still is) an interesting and generous friend. Interestingly, I'm not friends with Paul anymore; he turned out to be an asshole. But if it weren't for him, Melissa and I never would have met!

Then there's Rajiv: I had been friends with this older guy Mark for about six months. One night he invited me and his friend Rajiv over to watch a movie. Rajiv and I 'clicked' right away. My friendship with Rajiv stuck, while both Rajiv and I's friendship with Mark didn't. Again, never would have met and had such a wonderful friendship with Rajiv if Mark didn't bring us together that one movie night!

Then there are those that have spontaneously 'found' me online or through another friend: Ricky (via my "Follow Your Bliss" blog), Palo (via Tracy telling him about my blog/writing), Josh (via our mutual friend Brandon), Sara (via Johnny/The Dimes) and the list goes on

....interesting people I wouldn't have gotten to know if it weren't for good ole' synchronicity at play. :)