Through Thick and Thin...

Life is an adventure that brings us many surprises and challenges. One of the gifts we receive to make all experiences more bearable and enjoyable is friendship.

At the shop, we sometimes see friends coming in together to spend time looking through stationery and over objects. Other times, it's someone shopping for a friend.

To me, friendship feels like home. That feeling of a favourite warm blanket. Friends are the uplifting voice of reason and encouragement. They're a forever dance partner and backup singer. They're the ones who carry us through the happy and sad times and make us smile for no reason.

In recognition of this treasured gift, the UN has declared July 30th as the International Day of Friendship. And why not a day to celebrate such a joy-filled relationship in life? After all, friendships build bridges across national, language, cultural and other group barriers. World peace will only be realized when we experience camaraderie, mutual understanding and reconciliation between individuals.

Who are the treasured friends in your life? What qualities and behaviours do you appreciate about them? When was the last time you told them so?

Friendship Day is a great excuse to celebrate the people who've improved the quality of your life. Spend the day with them doing something you enjoy. Send them a gift. Write them a card or letter. Or make something for - or with - them: friendship bracelets, a scrapbook, paper crafts, or cook a meal.

Of course, such commemorative dates can always also be used as a journal prompt, or ways to learn more about yourself and grow. What kind of friend are you? Consider your own behaviour - what you like and what you'd like to change. After all, friendship has more than one side to it.

As I look at my experiences and those I've known, I believe that women have a particular need for friendship. So you may notice that several (though not all) of the books, films and Reverie links below are presented through the lens of female friendship.

If you're in the mood for a good summer read about friendship, consider a few classics and modern bestsellers: 

• Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery
• The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
• Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood by Rebecca Wells
• Emma by Jane Austen
• Truth & Beauty by Ann Patchett
• The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows
• The Undoing Project by Michael Lewis
• My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante

Perhaps a great way to celebrate this Sunday is watching one of these flicks together with a friend:

• Beaches (1988)
• The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (2005)
• Waiting to Exhale (1995)
• Peter's Friends (1992)
• Steel Magnolias (1989)
• The First Wives Club (1996)
• Sideways (2004)
• Frances Ha (2012)
• The Half of It (2020)

   

Wishing you a wonderful week filled with heart-warming moments, laughter and friendship!