Last week I wrote a blog on the important role our pets play in our lives and how they bring so much joy, love, and happiness into our every day lives. However, we should never underestimate the power of friendships in helping us embrace a healthier way of living. Last week in an article published in The New York Times by Tara Parker-Pope titled What Are Friends for? A Longer Life the author reveals the strong bond friendships can bring to our health. Not only do friends help those suffering from depression and illness, but they have been shown to “speed recovery, slow aging, and prolong life." They are an invaluable support in times of crisis as well as times of joy. I know my friends have been an invaluable source for me over the years. And while our friends may come and go, the wonderful thing is there is always opportunity to make new friends along the way. I have made so many new friends at the gym, when I volunteer, and in the three running groups I belong to. And now with much of the world having access to the internet, websites such as SparkPeople, Facebook, and MySpace are bringing friends back together like never before while allowing new bonds to form. In fact, I have reconnected with quite a number of my high school and college classmates whom I had lost contact many years earlier and WOW, am I having the time of my life. A few months ago on an episode of Grey’s Anatomy there was a story-line where a patient who was suffering from a facial malady was visited by his on-line friends at the hospital. While they had never met in person before this day, over the months they had develop a bond. They had become this man’s social network. That is exactly what so many of my SparkFriends are—they are my social network. From Donna in Florida who knows me better then I know myself, to Janet in Maryland who inspires me each and every day with her courage and aspirations, to Tami in Washington who shares her passion for running, to Judi, Trish, and Gail my Canadian friends who always offer me great support and encouragement in this journey we call life. And for all the many others who have inspired me along the way, I can honestly say, as much as I may inspire you guys, you all inspire me every day to carry on with this great journey. So here’s to GREAT friends! One of my all-time favorite songs pretty much sums up the true meaning of friendship... “Keep smilin', keep shinin' Knowin' you can always count on me, for sure That's what friends are for For good times and bad times I'll be on your side forever more That's what friends are for.” Written by Burt Bacharach and Carol Bayer Sager How important are your friends in your life? Do find it harder or easier to make friends as you get older? Do you believe they help keep you healthier? |
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