well, let’s see… is anyone shocked that it’s june 1st today??? it’s already time for “the happiness project” friday! i’ll admit, i’m a little thrilled that the first day of the month is a friday, what a great way to start a month – with a weekend! we are almost half-way through 2012 my friends. are you happy with your year? are there things you would change? now is the time.
In June, Gretchen Rubin discusses friendship. what a perfect time of the year to make time for friends – summer! Gretchen starts the chapter with this, everyone from contemporary scientists to ancient philosophers agree that having strong social bonds is probably the most meaningful contributor to happiness. do you agree? disagree? Epicurus agreed, Of all the things that wisdom provides for living one’s entire life in happiness, the greatest by far is the possession of friendship.
She goes on to say, You need close long-term relationships, you need to be able to confide in others, you need to belong. Studies show that if you have five or more friends with whom to discuss an important matter, you’re far more likely to describe yourself as “very happy.”
do you consider yourself a happy person? do you have five or more friends with whom you can discuss serious matters? i have felt that most of my life i have been surrounded by good friends. i am a bestie collector. however, there is a lot i can do to improve my friendship-skills. i can easily become self-absorbed in my own family and forget to care for those around me.
when making friends, you’ll find it easier to befriend someone who is already the friend of a friend. “Triadic closure,” Friendship thrives on interconnection, and it’s both energizing and comforting to feel that you’re building not just friendships but a social network. This may be why i love blogging so much — the interconnection with all of you! hands-down, this triadic closure philosophy is the best. i love connecting friends to friends, the bigger my bestie web is, the better.
So, since we are approaching the hump day for 2012 – have you purchased the book? have you read it? are you trying to be more aware of your happiness? i am going to conquer this month – join me! and, enjoy your weekend! xo.
{image by me.}