Friendship & Gratitude - Thanksgiving Is Here!

""There is nothing I would not do for those 

Who are really my friends?

I have no notion of loving people by halves, 

It is not my nature."

~Jane Austen

Friendship is a lovely thread that binds hearts and souls together. A meaningful friendship provides comfort and stability in a sometimes chaotic world. Whether it's a simple, heartfelt message or a profound note of gratitude, friendships are a valuable and unique aspect of life that can be nurtured and celebrated.   

Many years ago, I was invited to a "Friendsgiving."  This blending of the words "Friends" and "Thanksgiving" created an alternative to the traditional gathering with family.  This new event provided an opportunity for those who couldn't be with their families to celebrate with friends instead.   The concept gained popularity through the TV show "Friends." I thought that was the coolest thing ever.  Why limit a day of gratitude and joy to just family?

What are the foundations of friendship? And why do they change?

The modern framework for adult friendship hinges on three factors presented by the Author and podcast host, Mel Robbins.  She explains that as a child, these factors were once part of our lives, making friendships easier and then more challenging as we become adults.

Proximity: The physical closeness you share with friends.

Timing: The shared life stage or circumstances you are experiencing.

Energy: The natural connection of "click" you feel with someone.

Friendship in youth feels effortless because proximity, timing, and energy are typically present. When you are young, you are in the same stage of life as everybody else. As adults, shifts in these three things can make friendships challenging.

How does this work? Proximity and timing start to shift dramatically in your 20s.  Some friends get married, while others attend school and/or move; things begin to shift. 

What about work friends? You're working next to people who may be in very different stages of their lives. You may like them a lot, and you may be friends, but you never spend time outside of work because they're at home with family, and you're going out with friends your age on the weekends.  That is "timing" and shared life circumstances.

Lastly, for a friendship to truly click, there has to be energy. Energy changes.  You can have fantastic energy with someone, and then, when you decide to focus on something new or different, the energy is off.  It's not personal; it's a shift in the energy. 

People come and go, and it's a beautiful thing, and you should let them.   Friendship is a fabulous dynamic and can be nurtured and cherished. In a world where technology can often distance us, let's be inspired to nurture our friendships, to keep them strong and vibrant, and reach out during this “Season of Gratitude.”

If you would like a Friendship Assessment using your Astrological or Human Design Charts, schedule a session with me to get started. Email: amber@amberflynn.com or 760-815-3754.