There are not many objects in life so beautiful as friendship, and not many objects more uncommon.
When was the last time you had a truly memorable experience with a friend? I had a unique opportunity to spend a weekend with the guys while fishing. It was a spontaneous endeavor by a few to catch up with many. We laughed, we ate, we talked and we even did some serious fishing. It gave me an opportunity to marvel at the wonderful resiliency of some friendships, and how starved we have become for friendships in our fast-paced, type-A world. So now, I want to reflect on the joys of friendship. And perhaps more importantly, urge you to spend some quality time reconnecting with a friend or two or three. Friendships are often the first relationships to go by the wayside when our lives become overcrowded with work and family obligations. Our friends understand, mostly because they are living in the same overcrowded, over-stressed universe as we are. But because they are in the same boat does not mean it is okay to just let our friendships flounder. Dr. Phil, the tell-it-like-it-is life strategist, states he has never seen a real “big-time successful person who is a lone wolf.” The most successful people are usually surrounded by a nucleus of people who share their passions and support their best interests. Friendship is also a necessary ingredient for health and longevity, according to research cited by Daniel Goleman’s landmark book, Emotional Intelligence. “Social isolation” is a stronger predictor of mortality than even serious physical conditions such as heart problems. Other research shows those who maintain strong friendship networks into old age experience a higher quality of life and lower incidence of depression. You do not need a research study to remind you of how much you value and need your friends. What you may need is a gentle reminder to make friendship a priority in your life, rather than something you will take care of when you have the time.” When was the last time you took the time to call a friend and let them know you were thinking of them? Friends do this! They call just because. They take the time to commiserate and celebrate with us. And as the old saying goes, the best way to have a friend is to be one. So if your friendship bank is teetering on the brink of bankruptcy, make a deposit or two this week. The simplest actions count: a quick telephone call, a card or email, or scheduling lunch. The return on your investment will repay you a hundredfold. I am blessed to count some extraordinary people among friends, And to them I say: thank you, my life would not be the same without you. How about you? Who do you want to thank this week for the gift of friendship? What are you waiting for? In short, we need friends for our physical, as well as emotional, well-being.
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AuthorMusings from Gammon Irons. To desire and strive to be of some service to the world, to aim at doing something which shall really increase the happiness and welfare and virtue of mankind - this is a choice which is possible for us all; and surely a good haven to sail. Archives
February 2020
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