2-3-4 Friday
‘Seeking to spark the most potential within you per word of any online newsletter’
1 thought
When you think about significant relationships in your life, you
tend to think about family, partners.
We don’t tend to think as much about friends. Neighbours.
The people in the lift. Just staying next door.
That’s a pity.
Because friends matter.
Really. Here’s a question for you.
Who would you consider your closest friends?
How (and how often) do you keep in touch with them?
How do you keep these friends?
Over the last 10 days, I’ve been in Japan.
I had the chance to visit a neighbourhood design consultancy called Hitotowa. One of their definitions struck me.
They said a community was defined as:
Relationships helping each other,
in times of need, within walking distance.
What was interesting wasn’t just that they were helping people, but that they were trying to design neighbourhoods that could help each other.
They intentionally created a centre whereby the elderly people could congregate over something as simple as coffee. Or organising a soccer game so that the community could play.
Not all of us might have the
influence or time or energy to start these projects. But we all do have time to keep in touch with our friends.
I like to think friends may not be physical neighbours, but they are emotional neighbours.
They are close by in our hearts.
Some of us might live with the
myth that
“my friendships are the type where we can just pick up where we left off.”
Nonsense.
Imagine saying that to your partner.
Hey, we don’t really need to speak that much. We can always pick
up where we left off.
Yes, we are all busy.
We have different commitments to different people.
That’s why rather than focusing on having many friends, why not just focus on one person you miss this Christmas season?
1 talk
This Christmas, why not drop a voice note to a significant friend?
1 tip
Yes, it’s tough to find the time to call each other. And texting long chunks may not be the best way to keep up.
Why not try a voice note? It’s like making a podcast of your life, so your friend can hear you.
It’s really simple, efficient and effective.
But ultimately, only you can answer yourself about how fulfilling the relationships around you are.
And friends often
provide a more fulfilling experience because you don’t have to face them 24/7, live with them, and have nasty fights with them.
Like why they didn’t clean up their room.
Invest in them, because you will find it worthwhile.
John
Live Young, Live Well - Work Your Love
Think others might benefit? I’m counting on you. Forward this on.