That’s What Friends Are For
January was a blur. Between the fallout from the holidays, the mid-west weather, the latest version of Covid, and an overwhelming desire to watch Netflix and just sleep - January 2022 was nothing to remember. I was in a literal funk since mid-December. I go dark for the holidays anyway, and I referred to this year as the "Season of Disappointment". I have not sent out this newsletter in over 6 weeks.
But about the third week of January I had lunch with one of my best friends Jess. The sun was out and neither one of us was in a hurry. It was a good ol gab fest and the turning point for my dark cloud. The next week I had a quick coffee with Linda, I shared a bottle of wine with Patti. That weekend I made a whole pot of Chicken Noodle Soup and shared it with my neighbors. I Marco Polo daily with Margi and got in a quick trip out of town to connect with family and my dear friend Jen.
The Atlantic ran an article titled: WHAT IF FRIENDSHIP, NOT MARRIAGE, WAS AT THE CENTER OF LIFE?. I love the hubs and do not take that relationship lightly. I disagree with this article that friendships are the center of my life, but I do acknowledge that my hubs does not have to be my everything. I have room in my heart to foster all kinds of relationships. I imagine it is a relief for him too. But what I do agree with "...friendships can be models for how we as a society might expand our conceptions of intimacy and care".
It is not a secret that our society has suffered a great toll. Mental wellness is a top priority for kids, teens, and adults alike. We all need to make sure we take loving care of ourselves and one another. Dan Rather posted on Twitter this week "There is a lot of pain in this world. Let us all try to lift someone up or ask for help when we need it. We can all be better and do better."
This past week the focus of my yoga classes have been around being in community with one another. Sure, moving your body in any way feels good and IS good, but holding one another accountable and showing up is a beautiful thing.
Call a friend. Go for a long walk in nature. Get the Marco Polo app and stay in contact with one another. Come to class, in person or virtual, and stay connected to a community of friends.