Day 30. Be Grateful for Friends

On the last day of our Attitude for Gratitude Challenge, we will simply appreciate our friends.

What is it about certain people that makes you want to have them as a friend?

Do you keep a “collection” of people that you enjoy adding to as you go forth and experience life?

Much like a coin collection, you’ll want to hang onto people who provide value for you.

Since everybody is different, that value could really be anything you want it to be.

Often, we become friends with people based on shared special interests. It’s way better to attend a Pink Floyd cover band concert with your good ole friends, than someone whom you barely know or worse, a family member who’s currently sporting an attitude!

Many people kick off new friendships by discovering the common interests they have with someone else.

Then, they take it a step further by offering personal details and sharing their stories with this new friend.

When someone listens to your stories without judging you, that’s a friend to be thankful for.

When someone hears you confess to a bad deed or poorly-made decision but doesn’t judge, rat you out or spread your story to others… that’s a friend to be thankful for, too!

Exercise 30: Show Your Friends Some Love This Holiday Season.

Do you know who your real friends are? How do you know?

A friend builds up your self-confidence. True friends will be honest with you while at the same time speaking to you in a tactful and kind way.

A friend will help you look on the bright side. A good friend will offer you honesty, and be open to honest thoughts and opinions from you.

A friend doesn’t play mind games, tell fictitious stories about you, or otherwise try to make you feel less-than.

Here’s a fun activity if you’re looking to show appreciation for friends.

Most people reserve Christmas get-togethers for family.

But what about a Christmas Gathering for Friends? Recognizing that most gatherings this year were limited or virtual, this consideration can be for the future when things are closer to normal.

Perhaps next year, you can host it over the long winter holiday, or have your friends over for a Christmas or Holiday celebration, early in the season. Or if we are still in the midst of a pandemic, these gatherings can be Zoom group gatherings. It may also be possible to have a small group outside with appropriate social distancing and masking to be safe.

Friends’ Christmas needn’t involve gifts. The gift of presence is enough for all!

Journal It.

Write down all the things that you love about your friends.

Write down some fun and festive ways to celebrate your greatest friendships this Thanksgiving season.

Put your plans into action. Host an amazing, friend-full event. Raise a glass to those folks in your life who laugh with you, cry with you, come to your rescue in times of need, listen to your stories, and make you feel all-around awesome to be alive.

Cheers to the best of friendships!