I share this today, on 9/11 for two reasons: First, it is the anniversary of the day eleven years ago when we saw what happens when people judge and fear others. In response to that terrorism, we also saw what happens when love and generosity step in.
And second, today is my birthday. I joyfully launch the message that I'm committed to sharing in the year ahead.
I have this theory that friendship can save the world.
And by friendship, I mean relationships where we are committed to practicing the best version of ourselves, while simultaneously choosing to abandon pretense, posturing, and insecurity to risk revealing our shadow side, too.
I have this theory that friendship can save the world.
And by save, I mean bring greater happiness, less stress, healthier hearts and bodies, an increased sense of personal worthiness, less rejection, and fewer actions initiated by fear.
I believe that our friendships are gymnasiums for our souls. Gymnasiums where we can practice being the people this world needs: building up our muscle for compassion, increasing our endurance for giving, and stretching our ability to see the best in each other.
* So we can practice cheering for people even when we’re jealous.
* So we can practice listening even when we think we’re right.
* So we can practice empathy even when we’re tempted to judge.
* So we can practice serving even when we’re busy.
* So we can practice saying “I forgive you” even when we’re disappointed.
All of these are skills this world desperately needs.
I have this theory that friendship can save the world.
And by the world, I mean that if we don't do these things in relationships with people we love, then what hope do we have of doing them with people who live on the other side of the world from us? Who have different religions or political views? Whose values and beliefs differ from our own?
I have this theory that friendship can save the world.
Less splintering, less judgment, less criticism, less loneliness, less fear, less pulling away, less war.
I have this theory that friendship can save the world.
More smiles, more acceptance, more love, more hope, more applause, more joy, more positivity, more belonging.
I have this theory that friendship can save the world.
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I hope you'll post this blog and video today to your Facebook page to help remind us how important our friendships are!
And to that point, today the web site for my book goes live: www.ShastaNelson.com. YAY! Thank you blog readers for your cheering along the way-- it means a lot!