Posted: Wednesday, November 4, 2015 8:33 am | Updated: 1:40 pm, Wed Nov 4, 2015.
Today I attended a funeral (more a celebration of life) of Jack King, a man that I respected and admired for many years. He was the father of one of my very best high school buddies, Andy. I met two of my lifelong friends from high school, and we went together to the funeral to pay our respects to our friend and his family.
We all looked a little different on the outside, but we connected immediately in our spirits. All the memories starting flooding back in my mind about the great times we had together in high school. They knew me in a different season of my life and they did indeed stand by me when an old boyfriend broke my heart, when I did not get invited to the wild parties, and when my dad was very ill. They laughed with me, cried with me and always had my back.
I am so thankful for friends in all seasons of my life. Friendship is indeed a part of your overall wellness. We do need each other to keep us fit and well emotionally, socially, spiritually and physically. Can you imagine going through life without someone to talk to, someone to help you discern what to do in certain situations, someone to have your back when you are up against the wall. Most importantly someone to speak the truth, in love, when you get on the wrong track.
After high school, we all went our separate ways for college or work, and life changed a bit for us all. Even though three of us still live in the same town we do not get to see each other as often as we should. These were my friends that knew me before I was married, before children, and before I matured.
Friends, old and new hold a special place in our hearts. We share history with each other that no one else knows or understands. The perspective they bring, the memories they share, the support they offer will always play a big part of our lives. Friends can bring out the best in us and teach us life lessons while having our best interests at heart. We can be happier people because of special friendships, but can we be healthier too?
“Researchers have found that having even one close friend that you confide in can extend your life by as much as 10 years,” said sociologist and relationship coach Jan Yager, Ph.D., author of “Friendshifts.” “Numerous studies also show that recovery from a major health challenge, such as a heart attack or cancer, is enhanced because of friendship” said Yager.
According to an article, “Friendships Improve Your Life and Enhance Your Health,” Feb. 5, 2014 by Mayo Clinic Staff, the following are benefits of friendship. Friends can:
>> Increase your sense of belonging and purpose.
>> Boost your happiness and reduce your stress.
>> Improve your self-confidence and self-worth.
>> Help you cope with traumas, such as divorce, serious illness, job loss or the death of a loved one.
>> Encourage you to change or avoid unhealthy lifestyle habits, such as excessive drinking or lack of exercise.
Good friends are good for your health. Friends can help you celebrate good times and provide support during bad times. Friends prevent loneliness and give you a chance to offer needed companionship, too. Most of us will never save a life by running into a burning building or jumping in front of a car to save someone else, but research is clear that we might just extend someone’s life by simply being a part of it.
See you in the gym.
