Give yourself the gift of time with friends

“The most beautiful discovery true friends make is that they can grow separately without growing apart,” writes author Elisabeth Foley.

I have just returned from a long weekend in my hometown with five of my best friends. We grew up together, but after college, scattered across the U.S. Over the past five years we’ve attempted to plan an annual rendezvous. No easy task when you’re negotiating the family and work schedules of six career women spread from California to New York and Florida to Michigan. 

We work hard to make it happen because we’ve realized over the years that life is too short to skimp on the really important stuff -- like quality time with great friends. Each year when our weekend comes to a close, I leave inspired by these incredible women and grateful that they have been a part of my life for so many years.

I bonded with one friend in kindergarten. Three others joined our circle in fourth grade. And as we entered high school, we opened our arms to the last member of our posse. The experiences of growing up together formed a bond that has truly stood the test of time. 

It’s been 35 years since we graduated from high school and went our separate ways.  We chose colleges in different states, made new friends and once we entered the work world, led very separate lives. 

Each of us married; our children range in age from 6 to 26 years old. Each has juggled demanding jobs. One left her career to focus on family and will celebrate her 30th wedding anniversary this year. Two of us divorced. One was left a widow while still in her 40s.

We’re busy people with full lives and little free time, so it’s not unusual for weeks, and sometimes months, to go by without a phone call or a note. But when we do connect, we simply pick up where we left off. And when we need to talk, we know that someone will always be there to listen and not judge.

Our love and respect for each other has intensified over the years. There’s a deep appreciation of the ground we’ve covered -- together and apart -- and comfort in sharing life’s ups and downs with the people who know us best -- each other.

There’s no doubt these women have made my life better. That’s what friends do.

What I didn’t know until recently, but have always suspected, is that friends are not only good for the soul, they’re good for your health. According to multiple studies on the subject, the bonds of friendship help fight illness, obesity, depression, speed recovery, prolong life and slow aging. Wow! 

With the holiday season approaching, give yourself the gift of time with a friend.  It will boost your attitude and your immune system.

What are you waiting for ... pick up the phone!