With so much going on in daily life, it is easy to overlook one of the most important aspects of our well-being: friendship. The value of a good friend is immeasurable; they add joy to your life, provide comfort in times of distress, and help you grow into a better version of yourself.

Dear Spirited Earthling,

Life today has you running from the demands of work to family commitments, while diligently working towards your personal goals and also finding time to rest. It can feel like a lot. With so much going on in daily life it is easy to overlook one of the most important aspects of our well-being: friendship. The tremendous importance of friendship to your personal wellness cannot be understated.

What is a Good and True Friend

A good friend is someone reliable, trustworthy, and capable of keeping your secrets. They display honesty and integrity in everything they do. They're empathetic and understanding, readily putting themselves in your shoes to offer compassion and support in tough times. Not only that, but they listen without judgment, validate your feelings, and offer comfort.

A good friend accepts you as you are, cherishing your uniqueness while acknowledging your flaws. They celebrate your strengths and offer unconditional love and support. True friends are dependable and consistent, always there when needed. They honour their commitments and show up when it counts.

A good friend is supportive and encouraging, always ready to happily celebrate your achievements. They respect your boundaries, opinions, and independence, valuing your perspective. They communicate openly and honestly, aren't afraid of difficult conversations, and manage conflicts constructively. Shared values, interests, and principles are the bedrock of such friendships, fostering understanding and connection.

Finally, a good friend brings joy and laughter, making even ordinary moments enjoyable.

group of friends smiling for a photo together

The Importance of Friendships in Life and Self-Care

Friendships and Quality of Life

Friendships enrich your life and can be a natural antidote to daily stresses. They offer companionship and a sense of belonging as they combat loneliness. Your friends are the people you turn to when you need a shoulder to cry and support during difficult times, but they are also the people who add fun and laughter, ease and security to your life. Laughing is good for the soul and socialising with friends gives you greater quality of life.

Friendships and Mental Health

The impact of friendships on mental health is profound because of the emotional support they provide. A strong social support network can prevent mental health deterioration. True friends can amplify your happiness and lessen your heartache. Friends are a safe space, providing a listening ear, showing empathy, and allowing you to express your feelings without judgement. They can get you up and out when you need it and are the ones to encourage rest when it's called for. Having someone who understands and accepts us for who we are can boost our self-esteem and provide us with a positive outlook on life.

Friendships and Personal Growth

Friendships can support deep personal growth. Friends can expose you to different perspectives, share experiences, expand your ideas, and enrich your understanding of the world. Friends can challenge you and encourage you to step out of your comfort zone. Whether it's a birthday, graduation, promotion, or any other achievement, sharing these moments with friends magnifies the joy and creates lasting memories. Honest conversations with trusted friends can be the catalyst you need to grow as a person, to be the best version of yourself while feeling loved along the way.

Friends and Accountable Motivation

When going for goals and meeting life’s challenges head-on, friends can be both accountability partners and cheerleaders. It’s easier to get the workout done when someone else is counting on you to be there and do it with them. You may be more likely to make positive life changes if your friends are making them too. There is also a sense of security that comes when you know there are people in your corner as you pursue passion projects. The encouragement you receive can be literally life-changing and make all the difference. Friends also celebrate life's highs with you. From small victories to major milestones, true friends are truly happy for you.

Show Friendship Appreciation

Whether you speak often or once in a while, it's important to express appreciation for your valued friendships. Showing gratitude is not just a nice gesture, but a key part of building and maintaining healthy, fulfilling relationships. Heartfelt conversations, kind actions, or simple gestures of gratitude can all demonstrate your appreciation. Taking the time to do so strengthens bonds, encourages reciprocity, and acknowledges the beauty of human connection.

Simply take the time to say 'thank you' and express how much their friendship means to you
Send them a care package filled with their favourite things
Write a heartfelt letter expressing gratitude for their support
Cook them their favourite meal
Offer your help and support in a way that’s meaningful for them
Donate to a cause they care about in their name
Make a playlist of songs that remind you of them or your friendship
Create a personalised gift, like a scrapbook or photo album of shared memories
Plan a trip or experience together
Publicly appreciate them on social media

Friendships are essential pillars of support that contribute significantly to your mental, emotional, and even physical health. Schedule regular catch-ups, whether they're in-person or virtual, to stay connected and feel in community. The value of a good friend is immeasurable; they add joy to your life, provide comfort in times of distress, and help you grow into a better version of yourself. So, reach out to a friend today.

group of girl friends laughing together, sitting in the car

Spirited Earthling is more than just a blog – it's a gathering place for kindred spirits drawn by an interest in self-discovery, the appeal of self-care, and a desire for a deeper connection to the world. Written and created for curious minds and spiritual hearts seeking meaning in everyday life, this blog aims to help you curate your wholesome personal growth with free weekly ideas and affordable resources for sale.

As you navigate your personal growth journey using the words and ideas shared here, consider sharing this blog with someone looking for inspiration or motivation on their own journey. We are all spirited earthlings, and can lift each other together with mindful, connected living.

Thank you for being part of this community.

Best wishes, warmest regards

Jordan

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The Tremendous Importance of Friendships in Life