Do you have a friend that you can call in times of need? Do you have a friend who you tell everything to? Do you have a friend that supports you no matter what? If you said YES to all of these questions, you are a very lucky person.
We often face challenges and crises in our daily lives, which can be in the form of violence, poverty to bad mental health. These challenges that we all face can be so detrimental to our well being and sometimes we can not do it alone. To confront these demons that we all have, their root cause can be addressed if we share it and that can be within a friendship.
Through friendship comes hope. The bonds we create in our friendships are so unique that even these relationships can help us find purpose and meaning. The emotional support we receive from close friends is enough to inspire us when everything starts to look dull and grey around us and this form of relationship is often the most overlooked and undervalued.
The great majority of people seem to seek romantic relationships and this is perfectly fine but as a society, we should discuss friendships just as much as romantic relationships. Friends are a gift to cherish and hold immense importance to our lives whether we do or do not realise.
When we feel low, most of the time we look towards our friends for comfort, so right now if you have a friend who you really love, call them and tell them how amazing they are! Sometimes in our busy worlds we forget to appreciate everything around us, especially friendships.
Thank You, Friend
Thank you, friend, for all the things
That mean so much to me–
For concern and understanding
You give abundantly.
Thanks for listening with your heart;
For cheering me when I’m blue;
For bringing out the best in me;
And just for being you.
Thanks for in-depth conversation
That stimulates my brain;
For silly times we laugh out loud;
For things I can’t explain.
For looking past my flaws and faults;
For all the time you spend;
For all the kind things that you do,
Thank you; thank you, friend.
By Joanna Fuchs
Eleven years ago, the UN decided to announce the international day of friendship which happens on the 30th July each year. This day was put in place to involve young people, future leaders and unite different cultures and promote understanding and respect for diversity amongst individuals.
On the 30th July, the UN encourages organisies, companies and governments to hold events and activities that contribute to promoting a dialogue amongst civilisations, solidarity and mutual understanding. So this year Refashion My Town will be hosting friendship bracelet workshops where you will learn how to make bracelets, which you can share with your friend. The details will be on our website and social media platforms @Refashion My Town.
“We should always have three friends in our lives – one who walks ahead who we look up to and follow; one who walks beside us, who is with us every step of our journey; and then, one who we reach back for and bring along after we’ve cleared the way.”- Michelle Obama
Further resources
10 reasons why friendship is so important in life