“Your friend is someone who
knows all about you,
and still loves you anyways.”
~ Elbert Hubbard

Did you know that the first Sunday in August is Friendship Day?

I just learned this on Sunday, sharing a wonderful day with two of my closest friends, as we played in a pool by the ocean with my favourite 2-year-old twin girls, Ava and Marlowe. Meet Ava and Marlowe

I have become the twins adopted Aunt since their mom Debrah Rafel-Osborn (one of my best friends), passed away a year and a half ago. I miss my friendship with Debrah greatly and everyday I am grateful for the friendships I have in my life.

After a fun afternoon playing in the pool, my friends and I decided to treat ourselves to a strawberry margarita on a patio. As I was enjoying the view of the ocean and the mountains, reflecting on how much joy the twins bring into my life and perhaps a little buzz from my strawberry margarita J, my heart was overflowing with gratitude. I made a toast sharing my gratitude as well as the wonderful gift of friendships. On the way home, we learned that the first Sunday in August is Friendship Day. The tradition of dedicating a day in honor of friends began in the US in 1935. Today Friendship Day is celebrated in many countries. What a wonderful reason to have a celebration! I know this will be a yearly tradition in my life.

A few facts to ponder: 

• The health benefits of friendship include a longer, healthier life.
• Being a good friend makes your life more fun, interesting, and easy to handle!
• Another health benefit of friendship is that when you have even one best or close friend, your attitude and ability to deal with stress and problems is greatly increased. Strong feelings of connectedness are another health benefit of friendship.
• Surprisingly, even spending time with an intimate partner doesn’t provide the same health benefits as friendship. Good friends offer a different kind of support than lovers, siblings, parents, or children do. Good friends provide a different level of understanding and communication — and this positively affects your health, wellness, and attitude.

May your summer include creating wonderful memories with your closest friends!  Want to meet some of my cherished friends click here

TLC Coaches challenge:

Do you make spending time with your friends a priority?

This month, book 2 dates to spend uninterrupted time with some of your closest friends.

You deserve the health benefits of friendship, not to mention the emotional boost you will experience!