Friendship, a "Shelter"

Life is a journey full of challenges, joys, sorrows, and moments that deeply shape us. Along this journey, the people with whom we share our existence play a fundamental role. Among them, friendship stands out as a beacon that guides and supports us in the darkest times.

Granting someone the title of "friend" is much more than just a simple social relationship; we enter another sphere of relationships where trust, esteem, and loyalty stand out. Friends are a refuge and a comfort, a source of strength that allows us to face adversity.

"The greatest weapon against stress is our ability to choose one thought over another." (William James). In this sense, having friends to lean on, especially in difficult times, helps us choose thoughts that strengthen rather than weaken us. As we navigate the different phases of life, whether to celebrate joy or to endure sadness and pain, the presence of a loyal friend is invaluable.

This concept of friendship is central to Jimena's story. She and the other protagonists of "#yollamadajimena" find in friendship a safe haven, a space where they can share their joys and sorrows without fear of being judged. In "Yo, llamada Jimena," friendship is not only a central theme but also acts as a connecting thread that sweetens the pain that life entails.

Philosopher and writer Martha Nussbaum, in her 2001 work Upheavals of Thought: The Intelligence of Emotions, argues that friendship is essential for human flourishing, as it provides us with a sense of security and belonging, crucial elements for our emotional and psychological well-being.

Surrounding yourself with friends not only mitigates suffering but also gives you the strength needed to face the challenges that arise.

In "#yollamadajimena," I have tried to emphasize the importance of creating these bonds, not as shackles but as a bridge from which you can distance yourself and follow other paths. Yet, even after years of separation, these bonds remain unbroken, and all it takes is a conversation, a coffee, a call, to feel the connection you once had.

In a world that sometimes seems chaotic and relentless, meeting with friends becomes an oasis of tranquility, a space where we can be vulnerable without fear of being judged.