This month is looking a little sparse isn’t it? I apologise that my updates have been rather erratic, I’ve had a lot going on in my life and thoughts recently and have found it hard to focus enough to write a decent post. One of the things I have been thinking of is how precious friendship is, and how much I value those people who have come in to my life and helped me grow so much. This lesson is not so much covering how to be a good friend (which would take more than one post I think!) but suggesting a few little things you might like to do to show your friends how much you care.

Listen. I think a lot of our problems can be solved if we simply have the opportunity to get them off our chest, to share our burdens with understanding friends who give us this gift, to just listen with open minds and hearts. Listening is a great skill, and its not something we’re all that good at. It requires us to empathise, reflect and support the person who is talking to us, and not to judge or instruct or give advice (unless it’s asked for) sometimes, the greatest thing you can do for a friend is to give them a shoulder to cry on.

Give time, for time is life itself, and life resides in the human heart. - Michael Ende. Time is the most precious thing we have, more than money or posessions or words, giving some of our time to spend with friends and sharing our lives with them is rewarding and deepens our connections. Sometimes it feels like we’re so busy, and have so much to do that we couldn’t possibly spare time to see anyone, that is when it is most important to drop everything and go see your friends.

The most beautiful little acts of Friendship are those you do ‘just because.’ A phone call out of the blue to say ‘hi!’, inviting them for a walk on the weekend or coffee after work. Friends don’t need excuses to spend time together, to check up on eachother or to simply have a bit of fun. Be spontaneous, send your best friend a message right now telling them how great you think they are!

This is something I value very highly, loyalty. I think promises made between friends, secrets kept and obligations met are the things that hold friendships together and make both parties feel valued and respected. Its not always easy, but its when these values are betrayed that friendships fall apart. Think about how you would like to be treated in every situation and give as much respect to your friends feelings as your family or partners.

Say thank you. Its not something we often think to do, and it can be so easy to take people for granted, knowing they’ll always be there and you can rely on them. However it only takes a few words, a little gesture to show someone how much you care. Even friends who just have fun together in a carefree way are valuable. You’ll never know how much it means to them that you treasure their friendship.

I hope you’re all having a beautiful week and thank you for your patience and understanding. I hope to be back to my regular routine here very soon