Gratitude Monday (GM foot soldiers! I feel so blessed!  I am fortunate to know what a good friend is and I am fortunate to experience the true gift of friendship. Today one of my bests friends came over and showered me with a few gifts. Of course, it was not about the gift but about the TLC behind it. My friendmances have been good for me in more than one way:

• I seem to be healthier with their support.
• My friends have helped me through some of my toughest challenges.
• They have helped me get over rejection and betrayal.

Good Friends Help Heal Your Soul

In a past life my life events would have sent me into one flare after another. I thank God for the courage to trust. I have been much healthier since I stopped isolating myself with my illness.   Lo and behold, a study posted in the Proceedings of the National Academy of the Sciences of the United States (PNAS) confirmed good friends are important to my health.

Ride or Die Friends Stick With you Through Hard Times

I admit that fair weather friends made me insecure about sharing my struggles. I thought all I needed was God and my hubby. God surrounds us with foot soldiers for a reason (and your husband cannot be your girlfriend). Among all my fair weather friends, were a few ride or die ones that have stuck with me through the storm. While I may have been able to survive the tough times “alone”, friends help wounds heal without the traumatic scars.

Good Friends are the Neosporin for Your Broken Heart

I felt very embarrassed when one of my best friends dropped me like a bad habit. I carried the hurt  for a long time before talking about it. While I talked to my therapist about it, I still felt angry, rejected, sad, embarrassed and bewildered. Finally I opened up to one of my bests friends about it.

I allowed myself to obsess over it with her. I processed it with her. Why did she do that? I deserved better. Have you talked to her? She not only supported me and gave me the reassurance I needed, it took our friendship to another level. We both opened our guarded hearts. I was fortunate to have another friend help me let it go. A study suggests that friendships help keep your stress level down.  My friends are the Xanax I need during difficult times.

My friends cannot carry my pain nor do I expect them to. Likewise, I have learned that I cannot carry a friend.  Support is something different and as humans we all need someone. My life is better with my good girlfriends – even on a Monday. Tell a friend “thank you” and share why you are grateful for your friend. Remember, gratitude improves your attitude and increases your blessings. GM everyone!!!