November 3, 2009

Make "Friend Time" a Priority   News Flash: Friendship impacts your ability to have a happy life!    "Contrary to the belief that happiness is hard to explain, or that it depends on having great wealth, researchers have identified the core factors in a happy life.  The primary components are number of friends, closeness of friends, closeness of family, and relationships with co-workers and neighbors.  Together these features explain about 70 percent of personal happiness."  Murray and Peacock 1996   Furthermore, the latest research shows that people with strong social networks have been known to boost their chances of surviving life-threatening illness, have stronger immune systems, improve their mental health, and live longer than those without social support.   How strong is your social network?  Are you too busy for your friends?  Can't find the time to get together?  Don't have any friends to get together with??  Is your "happy" life less than happy?   "The only way to have a friend is to be one," said Ralph Waldo Emerson.   Friendly tips: Be yourself.  Never put on airs. Be approachable. Accept your friends for who they are. Be interested in others - be curious. Strike up the conversation, yet let them do the talking. Be there for others, not just when it is convenient for you. Encourage your friends to be their best. Make your friends feel important. Listen and do not judge. Be trustworthy and reliable.  Be respectful, honest, loyal, and never gossip. Share common interests.   Your friends are your gifts.  Whether they are in your life for a reason, a season, or a lifetime, cherish them.  Appreciate them and appreciate what they bring into your life! Never take them for granted.   Make "friend time" a priority.  Reach out and touch!  Call, e-mail, text, tweet, go visit, plan a get-together, do something - be friendly.  Today!         "The better part of one's life consists of his friendships."             Abraham Lincoln   "Friends are those rare people who ask how we are and then wait to hear the answer."             Ed Cunningham   "Make use of your friends by being of use to them."             Benjamin Franklin   "Many people will walk in and out of your life, but only true friends will leave footprints in your heart."             Eleanor Roosevelt     We've been friends since Junior League, back in the 1980's, and like many friendships, our visits together have waned over the years.  Our infrequent get-togethers always end with the promise that it won't be so long till next time.  Sound familiar?  And yet, it's always too long.  I made "friend time" a priority and the dinner party for 7 was on at the Houseman house Saturday night. We picked up right where we left off at the last get-together and the promise was made again not to make it so long until the next time!    The physical remnants of the party are gone - the dishes are done and put away, the tablecloths washed and folded (I don't iron unless I HAVE to), the floor is swept, alas the leftovers are still present and waiting to be eaten, yet the memories of a pleasant evening spent with friends will linger on...and on.  That's the beauty of friendship!   Have a fantastic week and make "friend time" a priority.   Stephanie     We grow by "word-of-email" so please feel free to forward this newsletter to anyone whom you think might benefit from and enjoy it. Thanks so much! Contact Us: stephanie@7steps2abalancedlife.com