Friendship

#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

The Struggles Are Real

When a story doesn’t unfold in my brain, it’s a struggle to get it down on paper–or, rather, in ones and zeros. I’m having this issue with Lady Zepherine’s story. She is reluctant to tell her story, and I am having a difficult time writing it. Difficult is putting it mildly. It’s like hammering dull nails into an oak board with a sponge. Yes, that’s impossible.

The hard thing is not writing her story. But I feel like it’s a tortured mess. That’s what editing is for, right?

It’s also tough because parts of her story are so personal to me. Diving into my memories, and interacting with the mean girls and bullies who live there, makes me sad. I wish I had the knowledge that I have now, back then, so I could stand up to them and defend myself instead of ‘taking it’ like I did.

Even now, I try to take the high road and not get pulled down into what I consider trite arguments. The unfortunate side of that is the number of people (who I though were friends) believing the liar and rumor-spreader.

Aren’t you glad that it exposed your false friends? Yes, but it makes for loneliness, too. I wish they had taken the time to find the truth rather than believing the person who had no issues dragging my name through the mud. I hope I haven’t made the same mistake.

I hope I am the friend I wish to be. Sonja

#cancersurvivorsday

Today is the day to celebrate anyone in your family who has survived cancer. According to the NCSD website, this applies to any living person who has overcome cancer-from diagnosis to today. NCSD is observed on the first Sunday of June worldwide.

It’s a day to celebrate life, in a month set aside to recognize these survivors. The website highlights words such as celebration, inspiration, support, and outreach.

There are events in many locations around the world to recognize those who have beaten the ‘Big C.’

These days, since we shouldn’t gather in large groups, you can connect online. I recommend doing an Internet search for an event that works for you.

Today, there are more than 16.9 million cancer survivors in the United States (according to the NCSD.org website). They are supported by the National Cancer Survivors Day Foundation, which is a nonprofit that collects information for cancer survivors. The Foundation “works to improve the quality of life of cancer survivors by raising awareness of the ongoing challenges of cancer survivorship.”

So, if you have someone in your life who has survived cancer (I have many!), today is the day to recognize their amazing battle and recovery!

Take care of yourself and others, 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

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

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