I have been learning recently how rare and special it is to reconnect with old friends in person. Online networks, such as Facebook, make it easy and routine to connect with people who we would never make an effort to visit in person. But with busy schedules, work, new friends and significant others, I have found it somewhat difficult to plan weekend getaways with my friends who do not live in the city.

Just last weekend was the first time my college girlfriends and I had all been together in over a year. It was strange to recall that not too long ago, the four of us shared a quaint little apartment in the center of Amherst, MA, where we spent every single day together. I certainly miss those days, but I’m happy and grateful for the lives we are able to live today in our own respective cities.

Like most reunions, our weekend consisted of several minutes of catching up and updating each other on our recent status. And then we all just lost ourselves in the memories of our best and worst times together. I laughed until my stomach was sore. It felt good!

I think most of us can attest to time gaining more speed with each passing year. Sometimes I think it’s trying to break a record. But the one thing I have considered recently is that it’s not time moving faster, but us taking less time to really sit down, slow down and enjoy the moment.

Last weekend was a reminder to take the time to enjoy what is around me. Chances are, in a year, I won’t be surrounded by the same things. But I look forward to reconnecting with old friends again.

–Courtney Centeno, account executive