Love Learn Lead February 15, 2018

When I was a kid, the thing I remember wanting more than anything else in the world, was a best friend. I really don’t know why this was such a big desire. It could have been that I was homeschooled for a little while, so meeting new friends was rare. But I have these memories of meeting new little girls, and wondering, “Is she going to be my best friend?”

Perhaps, I also watched a bit too much of Anne of Green Gables. Only, this desire to have a friend who knew and understood me, didn’t go away with adolescence. In fact, it grew. There is something about friendship that makes life more doable, less lonely, and absolutely more fun. That is why, we love Friends, Christina and Meredith, and Lorelai and Sookie. And that is why, friendship is a need none of us will ever outgrow.

On Monday, I shared a few things I have learned about friendship in my twenties and thirties. Today, I tell you about something I have done with my friends that have brought us closer. I talk about a great book on friendship. And I share some wise words from leadership guru, Simon Sinek. It’s my hope you will finish reading this post, encouraged and inspired.

Love

Something that has brought me closer with friends over the years, is regularly sharing a meal or grabbing coffee. Simple, I know. Obvious, I get it. But the point is, when my friends and I have committed to meeting once a week (or every other), and actually put it in our calendars, it’s grown our relationship. There is something about regularly sharing our lives, face to face, that enables us to go deeper.

Now, have I done this every season of my life? No. Is possible to do it every season? Probably not. But when it is possible, it works. When we decide to make time in our calendar for our friendships, they grow. Gone are the days where we see our friends at school and decide to meet up later. Adult friendships need a little more scheduling, but are so worth it.

What does making time for friends look like for you?

Learn

Almost a year ago, a book was released that offers one of the best frameworks on finding and keeping lasting friendships. That book is Never Unfriended, by Lisa-Jo Baker. In it’s pages, Lisa-Jo walks us through all of our fears of friendship (rejection, vulnerability, etc.). Then she helps us face them. She also takes us through the things we can’t change about friendship, and leads us to the things we can. If you are looking to go deeper or create healthy new friendships—this is great read.

What or who has helped you become a good friend?

Lead

The strong bond of friendship is not always a balanced equation; friendship is not always about giving and taking in equal shares. Instead, friendship is grounded in a feeling that you know exactly who will be there for you when you need something, no matter what or when.