Welcome to Day 59 of the Wellbeing 9-a-Day blog! Yesterday, I wrote about the importance of building habits that increase your ability to make conscious connections with your family. In today’s blog, I change the focus to the only boat that can never sink… a friendship!
Friends Will Be Friends
We are all born into a family, and it is fair to say that some are more fortunate than others. Where some are born into a loving family, others look to friendships to create a family of their own choosing.
In either case, friendships are a wonderful thing.
True friends see the best in you, even when you cannot see it for yourself. They have your back when you need them, and they tell you things you might not want to hear for your own benefit.
Friends bring joy to your life, improve your self-worth and confidence, and offer different perspectives. They celebrate with you during the good times, and help you cope with loss and trauma during the bad.
Making new friends gives you a fresh start and challenges you to get out of your comfort zone, while often introducing you to more friends.
While we have all had friendships that have drifted apart over the years, true friendship is a beautiful thing that is worth fighting for.
All Aboard the Friend Ship
A few months ago, I was speaking to someone about the word friendship, and we were both taken by the fact ‘ship’ was in the word.
We had both seen the classic Friends episode where Freddy Prinze Jr becomes Ross and Rachel’s nanny, and his puppet Grumpus asks, “What’s the only boat that will never sink? A friendship!”
As I spent my teenage years watching Friends at 5pm on E4 every day, I have seen this episode multiple, and yet it wasn’t until I was speaking to my friend that its significance truly hit me.
Friendships can take you to wonderful places that you could never reach alone, or they keep you afloat when the world around you is stormy and treacherous.
Just like a ship, your friendships require maintenance if they are to serve you properly. Without the necessary upkeep, they can often fall into disrepair.
That’s why I have added connecting with a friend each day into my Wellbeing 9-a-Day Journal. By actively connecting with a friend each day, I help to ensure that my friendships will stay afloat for years to come.
Call to Action!
Connect with a friend today. Whether you meet up in person or pick up the phone, take some time to make a conscious connection with a true friend. Even if it is just a check in and a well done, letting a friend know that you are thinking about them can benefit both of you at the same time.
This blog was written as part of a 90-day blog writing fundraiser for Live Well with Cancer, a volunteer-led charity serving North Tyneside and the surrounding areas. If you enjoyed this blog, please show your appreciation by donating to my JustGiving page. Every penny raised from donations or sales of the journal will help deliver workshops, events and support groups that empower better health and wellbeing for those affected by cancer, including family, friends, carers, and healthcare workers.
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