Friday’s Gratitude

Friday’s Gratitude—Friends

I woke up this morning and the first thought that came to my mind was—friends.

This is possibly because I was at a Hudson Institute of Santa Barbara gathering last night and as I visited with fellow Hudson coaches, I realized the importance of connection and friendships in all areas of life.

For me this looks like:

Old friends—Those tried and true souls who have stood the test of time through many years of life’s transitions and changes. These are the friends I may not see or talk to for years, but because of “history,” when I’m with them, it is as if a day has not passed since we were last together.

Close friends—Some of these are “old” friends, some of these are newer friends, some of these are family, but all of these are the people who I feel “safe” with when I share my inner most secrets, hopes, dreams, fears and insecurities. And they love me anyway.

Business friends—This category is filled with clients and colleagues. These wonderful people value the relationship we share around desired business outcomes—theirs and mine. I work hard for them, and they reward me by letting me travel with them through their professional transitions. Colleagues are the people who push me professionally to expand my expertise, sometimes beyond what I think I can achieve, and they open me up to new and better ways of doing things.

"The better part of one's life consists of his friendships."

—Abraham Lincoln

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