The Family We Choose: On Soulful Connections That Cross Oceans

​There are friends, there is family, and then there are the friends that become your family. It’s a special kind of connection, one that isn’t defined by bloodlines or shared last names, but by a deep, soulful recognition. It’s a bond that can span continents and bridge years, making the moments you do get to share feel like coming home.

I recently traveled to Europe to visit one of these soul-sisters. She lives in Switzerland, and I live in America, so our time together is a rare and precious gift. The distance means we can’t just meet for a quick coffee. But when we do finally sit down, the air crackles with an electric energy. The conversation flows freely, picking up exactly where it left off, as if no time has passed at all. In these moments, she is more than a friend; she is a mirror to my own heart.

One of the greatest joys of these visits is being welcomed into the community she has built. Her friends are an international bunch, a beautiful tapestry of cultures and backgrounds. Having met them on previous visits, this reunion felt less like an introduction and more like a family gathering. There is an instant warmth, an easy acceptance that makes you feel like you belong.

This time was particularly special. We gathered around a crackling fire, the flames dancing against the cool evening air. We were there in ceremony, honoring two precious young ones who are our godchildren. As we sat together, we hugged, we laughed, and we shared food and wine. At any given moment, you could hear three or more languages being spoken—a fluid, melodic blend of voices from around the world.

And yet, we all understood each other perfectly. The language of joy, of love, of shared history and affection needs no translation. It was a powerful reminder that true connection isn't about proximity or speaking the same tongue. It’s about a shared understanding that exists on a deeper level.
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These are the connections I seek. The ones that are not bound by geography or circumstance but are forged in moments of genuine presence and mutual care. They are the relationships that nourish the soul and remind us that family is not just something you are born into, but something you can build, one heartfelt connection at a time, across any distance.