It's getting easier and easier to drive home, enter the garage, close the door and shut off the rest of the world. After all, between delivery services, streaming entertainment and the creature comforts of home, why not?!
The problem is that there's an entire world out there. A whole planet full of amazing people, wonderful cultures and beautiful backdrops. Places to explore, foods to try for the first time, romantic languages, different traditions, and unique perspectives on this thing we all call life. And with new connections, friendships and experiences, we all have the chance to play a part in growing one giant community. It's not so far-fetched. In fact, it's not even a hopeless romantic concept.
July 30th honors this truth by dubbing it the "International Day of Friendship". It's a global invitation to celebrate the special people in our lives near and far. It's a reminder to reach out to those who may be miles and miles away, but present in your heart or mind. It's a day to have fun with the interesting things that connect individuals to other individuals in the spirit of getting outside ourselves.
Feel like participating? Here are a few ideas:
- Call, text or message someone special and thank them for their friendship
- Ask a colleague, neighbor or friend to tell you something special about their hometown or childhood
- Go out of your way to make a new friend
- Do some Googling for your next bucket list vacation - find a far off place that seems fun and exciting, then dig into information on the culture and lifestyle there
- Learn a phrase in a foreign language or teach a phrase you know to someone else
- Set up a quick potluck style meal and try out some adventurous recipes - invite neighbors or coworkers to participate
- Revisit or share photos from a trip you took out of the country
The power of community
We're not telling you anything you don't know already, but community is a powerful thing. It gives us the opportunity to lean on others or support those in need. It gives us a chance to learn and witness different walks of life. It's a connection and network that intertwines countries, neighborhoods, teams, workforces, and more. It's a fabric of sorts that can work for the common good by tapping into the strengths of all.
