When I planned to cover the topic of Friendship in this week’s newsletter, I had no idea just how much Friendship would mean to me this week.
This week, Friendship has meant feeling picked up and put back together with the help of Mom Friends, it has meant supporting friends grieving over the political atrocities unfolding in Israel, it has meant emotionally and spiritually cradling friends experiencing unfathomable grief here at home.
It has meant helping my 4th grader and pre-schooler navigate the ups and downs of friendships– witnessing their discomfort, their joy, their tender innocence.
It has meant grieving and unraveling, my heart pouring and overflowing and pouring and overflowing again…
And, so here we are, onto the topic of Friendship–all IN!
āWhen the world is so complicated, the simple gift of friendship is within all of our hands.ā ā Maria Shriver
Something to Read
It matters how we spend our days and that includes who we talk to throughout our days. This piece from NPR illustrates how social support comes in many forms from strangers to acquaintances, family and close friends.
Read it here:
“Why a stranger’s hello can do more than just brighten your day”
And, as an added bonus, social support not only makes us feel good, but it also boosts our immune system…something that won’t hurt during cold and flu season!
Read more here from BlueZonesĀ®:
“How Positive Relationships Can Strengthen Your Immune System“
Something to Try
This week, here’s an invitation take a bird’s eye view of your life through the use of a Health Coaching Assessment tool: The Mindbodygreen Wheel of Life Assessment.
As you do, pause to consider the areas where you’re feeling ease and perhaps those where you’re feeling friction. Where do you have room for growth? And, on topic, how is your social support?
This is one of the many tools we use in Health and Wellness Coaching to gain clarity as we begin to consider our own unique desires when it comes to wellness.
Something to Create
When’s the last time you sent a letter just because? Or sent a card to say “thank you” out of the blue? I’m making it just a little bit easier today. If you’re so inspired, use this Friendship Card below to spread some love.
And, here’s an activity to try with little ones–creating “Friendship Cards.” There are lots of options online, but this one from PBS Kids is simple and provides some conversation starters we can use when talking about Friendship with children.
Something to Consider
“Humans are social beings.”
While that’s true, being social has a different meaning for each of us.
Here’s an invitation to get curious about your own needs and find the form of socialization that works for you. Then, give yourself permission to allow this to ebb and flow with (not only your monthly cycle), but with the cycles of nature and seasons of life.
As you look toward this upcoming week with intention, how might you strengthen your social support network?
Maybe it’s taking intentional walks to your nearby coffee shop to say “hi” to neighbors and baristas, or heading to a community event, maybe spending time at the library?
Perhaps it means reaching out to someone with whom you’ve lost touch or finally planning (and taking) that walk with your friend? Maybe you choose to write send some love through the mail (still a favorite of mine)…
Even though these efforts can sometimes feel monumental–in the rain, after a busy day, sandwiched in between other commitments–remind yourself of all the emotional, physiological benefits.
ļ»æAnd then, take that leap! I’ll be cheering you on!