The Importance of Friendship
I recently did an advert for a magazine called “Just 4 Her” which is a magazine for military wives and girlfriends and thought I would share with you as well as I think friends are so important what ever your circumstances.
http://forcespublishing.co.uk/pages/tri_service_pages/justforher.html
I’d feel so lost if it weren’t for my five best female friends. Therefore I will be so bold as to say the role they play in keeping me sane is critical.
They’re my sounding board and my companions. They’re my validation on what to wear to a wedding. They entertain me when I can’t concentrate at work and give me a reality check on my latest business idea. They make me laugh and they give me support and a confidence boost when I’m having a moment of self-doubt.
I could go on and on but the important thing is that I that I need them all in my life to help me deal with the various highs and lows that life can sometimes throw my way!
We’ve been friends for years and we message each other almost every day. Sometimes it’s to discuss the finer points of ‘The Great British Bake Off’. Another time it’s to gossip about Tess Daly’s dress on ‘Strictly’ or to ask how someone’s date or job interview went.
As we’re all such a close group we know when someone needs the extra support and friendship. And a simple message sent to say ‘good morning have a fab day’ can go a long way when someone’s having a tough time.
Although I live a couple of hours away from them all I know that if I needed them they’d be there for me. And as I get older I realise how important it is to have these amazing women in my life.
I’m lucky to have a fantastic, supportive partner and family. But for me there is something very special about having a strong support network of female friends. And ‘m so grateful and privileged to call these five women my best friends.
I have found that, as I get older, what I need and want from my friends changes. To be honest, when we first met I wanted friends who wanted to come out with me on a Friday night for dinner to discuss work and the confusing world of dating. Or be just as happy spending Saturday night at home watching X-Factor together while scoffing a whole tub of Quality Street chocolates.
Fast forward eight years and I find that I’ve got a much deeper bond with them all. I rely on them to remind me of how much I’ve achieved whilst trying to navigate the daunting challenge of moving to a new city, buying a house with my partner for the first time all the while setting up a company.
For women in the army, whose partner may be away for months at a time, such a strong support network is invaluable. It helps to realize there are others out there who understand what you are going through.
It can be challenging moving to a new country and starting again in all aspects as well as maybe raising a young family. So to have this group of friends is so important.
So, if you’re lucky to have a best friend then why don’t you drop them a message now? Say hi and wish them a good day – I know they’ll appreciate hearing from you.
Caroline
Caroline Arnold
Executive Coach
M: 07886 794 742
T: @carnoldcoaching
F: Caroline Arnold Coaching
W: www.carolinearnoldcoaching.com