June is the month noted to acknowledge some very important relationships in our lives ~ our friendships. I could take up space in this blog and write about what mine mean to me, and you might find it interesting. But the value and meaning of friendship is as unique for each person as his/her fingerprint, so exploring your friendships is what will actually benefit you.
I’d like to help you think about this with an opportunity to reflect upon the friendships in your life by considering a few questions. You can answer them in your mind, if you like, but I encourage you to write them down so you can review any key words, phrases and sensibilities that arise.
- What does having a friend actually mean to you?
- What value do friendships bring to your life?
- What qualities in a friend are most important to you?
- What qualities do you hold that make you a good friend?
- Do you prefer to have a few friendships that you cultivate deeply? If so, what does this tell you about yourself?
- Do you like to have many friends with whom you can do different things? If so, what does this tell you about yourself?
- How do you offer appreciation to your friends? What do you say or do to show that you care?
- Do you have a family member you consider to be a friend? What is it about your relationship that makes this so?
- When do you need your friend(s) the most?
- Of all the friendships you’ve had over your lifetime, if you had to choose only one to keep, whom would you choose? What does this choice tell you about yourself and your true needs?
Sometimes it’s good to step back and review your life. In this case, I’ve asked you to look through the lens of friendship. Are you neglecting some fine friends right now? Are you hanging on to some friendships that should be released and allowed to fade away?
I am sure you’ve heard the phrase that goes something like this … some friends come into your life for a reason, some come for a season and a few for a lifetime. Recognizing which is which can help you nurture the friendships that deserve your attention and release ~ with love and gratitude ~ those that don’t. When you honor what is right for you, you honor others even if it involves an ending.
I invite you to go back to the question about offering appreciation to your friends. What did you write? Whatever it was, go do it now.
May all your friendships be blessings,
Plynn
Plynn Gutman 