I am of the personal opinion that friends are one of the greatest gifts given to us in this life. The power a friend has to influence and change our lives is really unfathomable. I for one am guilty of not appreciating my friends as much as I should. While I might say it, I want to start acting on it.
The internet can be a hell-hole. Honestly, look at any even moderately controversial post somewhere with a lot of traffic and if you can make it 10 comments without a troll I’d like to know where that haven is please. People employ the anonymous nature of cyberspace to forget all common decency. I read an article today saying that the best place to stir up conflict is the internet. Couldn’t agree more.
That is not all the internet is good for. I don’t know where I’d be without the friends I’ve met online. See, I’m kind of socially awkward. It’s hard for me to feel comfortable with people and truth be told a lot of the time I’d rather just stay home with a good book. I’ve got odd and varied tastes. All of these things are totally ok, and thanks to the internet I have discovered other kindred spirits.
They’ve broadened my horizons, got me thinking in new ways. I hear about books, movies, ideas, news that I wouldn’t otherwise have been exposed to. Thanks to the wonder of time zones there is nearly always someone around to talk to, at any time of the day. For a chronic insomniac that is a gift in and of itself.
Now I’ve already made my resolutions for the new year but I’m going to add this one. I want to start showing my appreciation to my friends in tangible ways. A card in the mail letting them know I thought about them. Maybe an email every once and a while. Finding out what’s going on in their lives and supporting them through it like they support me – or on the happy side, celebrating with them too. It’s my goal to be more intentional about my friendships, rather than taking them for granted I’m going to invest the work into them that they deserve.
Before I wrap this up I want to call out a few people I’ve met online that I can’t imagine life without: Lora, Monty, Eric, Carrie, Willa, Ben, Lindsey and Annie Cristina. Thank you guys so much ♥ Life would be a much crappier place without y’all in it.
You’re welcome
*hugs* honestly Monty I would not have survived the last year without you.
‘Lora’ *wonders if that’s me spelt wrong or another…*
Either way, we love you too, and I’m sorry I haven’t been about as much as I should
It’s a different Lora, sorry
The few people I called out here have been really supportive and involved in my life over the last little bit and I totally appreciate them.
Great post! I also am trying to show my closest friends more appreciation. I’m especially glad to have connected with you and a few others over the course of the last few months.
I find that even when I’m kinda upset about stuff, focusing on my friends and encouraging them really helps. And I’m real glad I met you too ^^
You are beyond welcome, though I owe you my heartfelt thanks as well. You’ve been a constant source of support and guidance for me. I’m so grateful for friends like you. <3