Friends – Sonja Danielson

#NationalFriendshipDay

National Friendship Day is meant to be a day to connect with your friends. These days, that’s even more important than ever.

Remember running into a friend while out running errands? Or meeting for lunch? We can’t do that these days, but we can connect in other ways.

I’ve had Zoom meetings with friends, which was super fun. I’ve also begun handwriting letters and cards. I think handwritten cards and letters are special, especially in these days of email and texts. They can seem so impersonal. A handwritten letter tells someone you think they’re special.

Celebrate your friends today. Say hello. Send a letter. Arrange a video call.

We all need to connect, and stay connected. Sonja

Happy Valentine’s Day!

I hope you have someone to share this day with–someone who will show you how much he/she loves you.

If you don’t have a partner, then I hope you celebrated Galentine’s Day with your gal pal, or something similar with your male friend(s).

For some, Valentine’s Day is a difficult day that causes them to feel lonely. I hope you don’t experience this. If you do, then find something to distract yourself. Go for a hike, read a book, go shopping (not retail therapy!), or something else that brings you joy.

Happy Valentine’s Day! Sonja

It’s Galentine’s Day!!!

Just what is Galentine’s Day?

It’s a day started by comedian Amy Poehler to celebrate female friendships.

It always falls on February 13, the day before Valentine’s Day.

In the UK, it was noted that it’s “an increasingly popular holiday” even though it is only a few years old.

Therefore, in celebration of Galentine’s Day, I celebrate my friendship with my best friend (who lives too far away). Karyn has been my friend for 27 years.

We met when her husband asked for my help carrying a very heavy sofa into their new apartment.

It was a fun way to meet some very good people.

I hope you have the equivalent!

Don’t forget to buy a card or small gift for your valentine–this is your one-day warning! Valentine’s Day is tomorrow!!! Sonja

Inspiration

Be True to Your Work, Your Word, and Your Friend. Henry David Thoreau

Mr. Thoreau has it right. There’s nothing more important than those three things. Whatever your work, whether for school, job, or hobby–do it well and with all your heart. Your word is who you are–never say something you can’t support or hurt someone. Words can be like daggers. Your friends are your support system. Have friends you can count on, not simply people to have around you.

Work, word, and friend–the trifecta of a good life. Sonja

Friday-Weekend Plans?

Photo by Jyotirmoy Gupta on Unsplash
(c) 2019
Photo by Luca Upper on Unsplash

If you’ve been reading my posts you know I’m a big proponent of going outside. Reading outside is different than reading inside, hiking, going to a festival. It doesn’t matter what you do.

I have spent so many hours laying on the ground and watching the clouds. I watch how fast they are moving, the shapes I see in them, rainbows, the shadows they cast on the ground. There is so much to see.

Take this weekend to spend some time outside. Do what you want. Have a friend over, play with your dog, go for a hike, ride your bike.

Have a great weekend! Sonja

Be The Best You Can Be

It doesn’t matter what you’re doing: being a friend, taking part in your favorite things, or doing your job. Be the best. Don’t be a slacker if you don’t like what you’re doing it, who you’re doing it with, or when you’re doing it. Give every moment of the day your full attention.

How you do something is more important than the actual outcome. If you put a positive spin on your daily tasks then the outcome will be positive. You will be viewed as someone who cares about their job, their friends and co-workers, and whatever you decide to do. Also, it makes everything so pleasant for you.

Imagine going through your day angry or upset. It’s not pleasant for you or for those around you.

In a previous post, I told you about how making yourself smile can improve your mood. Try it when you’re doing something you’d rather not. You’ll have a better time. Guaranteed!

Be happy! Sonja

Friendship Quote

A real friend is one who walks in when the rest of the world walks out.

Photo by Marc Rafanell López on Unsplash

Friendship

A few weeks ago I had the luck to spend four days with one of my best friends. I hope you have one of those, too. She’s someone who knows me so well that I don’t have to pretend–it wouldn’t do any good since she can read me so well. With one look she can see everything I’m trying to hide and makes sure I’m okay.

It’s nice to have someone you can count on. I know I can call her anytime, day or night, and she’ll be there for me. It’s important for someone to stand next to you without judgment and only support. I can tell her anything and I know it won’t go any farther.

Be a person who can keep a secret. It’s so important to a good friendship.

Be Well! Sonja

Friendship

Be proud of who you are and who your friends are. Sonja

#Friends

They say you can pick your friends and you can pick your nose, but you can’t pick your friend’s nose. I’d like to add an addendum to that: you can’t pick your friend’s nose… unless you’re really good friends. HA!

Now that the holiday fun is over, it’s time to look over your memories. I hope you made many with your friends. They are very special because you choose them.

The hard part is when friends grow apart. When you’re in a friendship it’s difficult to believe that it could happen. But it does. It’s unfortunate and it feels terrible while it’s happening, but friends do go in and out of our lives.

The memories of your friends usually happen during happy times. Listening to music, playing online, hanging out. Those are the times to cherish. I have friends that have been a part of my heart for years–even decades. I know I can count on them for anything–at any time. Those are the best of friends. I know I have a good friend when I wouldn’t think twice about calling them at any time of the day or night.

I hope you have friends you can call or text at any time! Sonja