I just got off a two-hour phone call with my best friend. The first time we met each other we were riding a train back to school. I asked if I could sit next to him, and as I sat down, we started what became a three-hour conversation. He is the only person I can talk to for five hours and still have more to say.

Tonight I spent a long stretch giving feedback on a trail map he was asked to make for a forest preserve. After that we talked about plans for the two of us to go on a trip to Europe. I had mentioned it when he was in town last month and he was a bit hesitant at the time; tonight he was much more excited about it.

Since I was in high school I’ve dreamed of going to Finland to visit the country all of my favorite bands are from. To see the birthplace of Nightwish and the small Lapland community that birthed the Stalingrad Cowgirls. I would love to see the public infrastructure, relax in a sauna, and tour the country’s diverse landscape.

The conversation about going on this trip gave me more hope then I’ve felt in months. It reminded me that the people I surround myself with are more important then the things I accomplish. Great people can make a terrible job bearable. Terrible people can make a job you thought you would love a living hell.

Going on a solo adventure is great but it feels empty without someone to share it with. Solving challenges, making mistakes, facing fears, these are much more meaningful with a person you care about by your side.