Friendship is just as important to your mental health as anything else you utilize, and there is no doubt in my mind that friendship adds to the happiness in your life. Honesty, trust, and authenticity are the qualities we expect to find in good friends. All of these things effect your life in more ways than you can imagine.
A good friend of mine used to say this to describe friendship “Neither in front of, or behind... just walk beside me and be my friend”—I have never heard friendship described better!
There is an understanding that the union of two people in friendship can help individuals define and realize parts of their lives they may have never known about without the exposure to those influences and experiences friends bring. Over the years I have realized that people tend to pick friends who are similar to them; people who are kind, nice and helpful. Whether or not you realize it, your friends have shaped you into the person you are today.
Think about your life; in times of high stress and in pure joy there is an overwhelming urge to reach out and speak to your friends. Whether to vent or bask in joy together you know you can rely on them to not only hear you out but be on your side or tell you a harsh truth when you need it.
While friendship is wonderful and, in my opinion, necessary to live a happy and healthy life, there also comes great responsibility with being a friend. As a friend it is your job to be there for those who depend on you, and to give them love and support, but it is most important that above all else you are a friend to yourself first. Without loving, supporting, and pushing yourself toward greatness and all the great things you want for your friends, you are doing yourself a great disservice.
Part of being a good friend, is being a good person and to be a good person you have to work on yourself, daily! When you succeed and lead a happy and fulfilling life, those around you will notice and that positive energy you emit will be a source of joy for them as well.
Today, take time to text or call your good friends and remind them just how important they are to you. When you’ve done that, treat yourself to something you enjoy! Whether it’s a class with your favorite yoga instructor or a treat after work, you deserve it!
