A moment of gratitude.
International day of friendship.
During the period of lockdown,
Many of us have missed our friends and friendship is important for our health and wellbeing.
They share our happiness and are there for us when we need them most.
They accept us for who we are and they challenge us when we get off track.
The Mental Health Foundation states our friendships are among the most valuable relationships we have.
The 30th of July is the International Day of Friendship,
So today's moment of gratitude is about friendship.
Today I invite you to think specifically about a friend.
It can be a current friend or someone you used to know,
Maybe a childhood friend.
Take some time to think about how this person looks,
Their posture and demeanour,
The way they talk and how they laugh.
Think about their eyes.
You may picture them looking at you smiling.
For those who don't visualise,
You can use a picture of the person.
Also,
I have another activity coming up that you may find suits you better.
Now,
I'm going to give you a moment to take some time to think about a positive memory you have of them.
Maybe something you did together or about a special time or maybe just a memory that is uniquely them.
Try to recall some of the details of that time.
What stands out?
Something they said or something they did?
I'll give you a moment to think and to savour that memory.
By taking this time to think about that person,
That special moment that you have with them,
You can feel true gratitude for them being part of your life.
Whether they still are or whether they once were,
We can have gratitude for how they made us feel for giving us that memory.
Another way you could mark the International Day of Friendship is to write a card or send a message to your friend today.
Just to say hi or to tell them that you appreciate them being in your life,
That you appreciate their friendship.
Maybe you might want to share the memory you thought of in the first exercise.
If they are no longer with you,
You could write a not to be sent letter or write in a journal to give yourself the opportunity to say what you want to say to that person.
If it is possible,
Call or visit your friend or maybe today is a day you can start planning something that you'll be able to do together soon.
It is important that we make time for our friends,
So enjoy taking time for that person today.
Enjoy remembering and savouring the memories you have of them and what you've shared together.
Until next time,
Always have gratitude.
