Friendships are on my mind as the holidays are approaching.
Because many of my friends live around the country, I’m not in contact with them as often as I’d like.
Furthermore, I’m hoping that as some of you read this article, you and I will reach out to connect before the end of this year.
It seems as I’ve been focusing on family, I’ve reached out to friends less.
So due to this fact, I’m working on changing this.
As I’ve spoken about before, I have friendships that go back as far as 63 years.
I guess you could say, once you’re my friend, I usually maintain our friendship forever.
Usually, people begin thinking of what they will change in their lives around the new year.
I’m beginning a bit earlier this year.
You see, next year, July 2025, I turn 70 years old.
This seems so odd to me. I still think of myself as half this age, only I’m not!
Consequently, I find myself taking stock of my life more recently.
Cherish is a word that comes to mind as I think about the people I love. Friendships need to be cherished.
“Friends do a lot more than give you a shoulder to cry on; they also positively impact your health.
Some research even says friendships are as important to your well-being as eating right and exercising. Friendships help you stay healthier (physically and mentally).
They encourage you to stick to healthy behaviors (and avoid unhealthy ones). They also provide emotional support in tough times and create a buffer against stress.
The sense of community they provide also helps you to feel more connected to your greater community. So cultivate those close friendships! It turns out that your besties help you stay healthier, happier, and less stressed.
Everyone goes through stressful events. If you know you have people you can count on, you may be less likely even to perceive a tough time as stressful.
Spending time with friends can also help reduce stress. According to Harvard Medical School, “social connections help relieve levels of stress, which can harm the heart’s arteries, gut function, insulin regulation, and the immune system.”
Hence, as I read another’s thoughts in the quotes above, I realize how much I love sharing about friendships with you in this article.
One of my most important friendships is with my husband, Hale.
My favorite place is to be with him, wherever that is. And especially at home together.
Since I enjoy traveling, I’m not always able to have Hale with me. He’s still working mostly full time. I am not.
When he’s not with me, I enjoy my times with family and friends, only I feel like a part of me is missing.
I cherish our relationship.
Lastly, my hope is if you’d like to connect with me, please send me an email or a text message.
I’m working toward the same.
With love and friendship,
Connie
PS. I love reading others thoughts on a topic I pick for an article. Here is where I took the quotes above about friendships:
https://www.verywellmind.com/the-importance-of-friendship-3024371
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