Why We Need to be Encouraged by Honest, Trusted Friendships

@bethvogt

I just spent three days in Florida with a group of writing friends and I’m once again reminded how friendship strengthens our hearts.

Our time was bookended on both sides with hugs, mixed with liberal doses of encouragement and insight and lots of laughter.

Getting together took planning and effort and yes, it cost us financially, too. But we all came home with our writing dreams renewed and our hearts refreshed.

That kind of friend-to-friend inspiration is priceless.

Each one of us has battled the less than mentality that has stretched through 2020 and into 2021. It’s affected our families and our careers. We’ve dealt with can’t and shouldn’t and loss and yes, fear.

During the past months, we’ve stayed connected through daily texts and phone calls and emails. We’ve listened to one another, prayed for one another, and cheered one another on.

Still, there’s nothing like being with friends who’ve known you for years. Who share like-minded dreams. Talking face-to-face. Dreaming out loud. Listening to one another. Brainstorming about book ideas and marketing. Walking along the beach and taking photos. Sitting back and being silent … and thankful.

When we’re younger, friendship can be, well, a bit self-centered. It’s often more about what we can get from our friends. Status, maybe. Or security.

As we get older – and if we’re wise – we’re more aware of the sacred give-and-take of friendship. We lean into all that our friends have to offer us – and all we can offer our friends.

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'Find a group of people who challenge and inspire you; spend a lot of time with them, and it will change your life.' Quote by actress Amy Poehler https://bit.ly/32uPd7E #friendship #encouragement
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