January is a time for envisioning new possibilities for the coming year. There are so many doors of opportunity just waiting to be opened. I employ you answer the knock when new friends come calling.

Make this your year to affirm existing friendships and rekindle relationships from days gone by.  

In reflecting on the past year, it occurred to me just how fortunate I am to have made some new friends and solidified the bonds with others who are dear to me.

I am truly blessed in those relationships. Some were purely serendipitous, others intentional and purpose driven.

I am thankful each day for my friends and how they have influenced and impacted my life. Friendship is not necessarily one specific thing you can put your finger on, but a million little things you could never add up.

I encourage you to stop and think about the people in your life whom you consider friends and what they mean to you. Often times, our friendships are things we take for granted.

I never met a friend I didn’t like. Making a friend is surmountably more pleasurable than making an enemy, and exceedingly better than a root canal.

According to Dictionary.com the definition of the word friend in the form of a noun is:  “A person attached to another by feelings of affection or personal regard”.

I like it, especially the attached part. I’m somewhat attached to my friends in the form of a noun or any other way.

Now I know I’m dating myself here, but the definition of friendship was clearly defined for me on the Holly Hobby plate or anything with a famous quote from Ziggy.

One of my other favorite quotes regarding friendship is by an unknown author: “A friend is someone who knows who you are, understands where you've been, accepts who you have become and still gently invites you to grow.”

I have grown so much through the gift of friendship. And literally speaking, not to mention those with whom I’ve shared an overindulgent meal.    

The art of making friends comes easy for some and is measurably more challenging for others. No matter your ability, never give up the challenge of making new friends.   

I have several categories of friends. First, are those who are in my life daily and without whom I could not function.

They are my “no problem” friends when I’m in a bind, or in need of an ear.

Some will come and go, but allow them to remain in your heart. It’s hard to imagine your life without them even though your circumstances may change.  

The other category is a little different breed. These are the friends who have been with you through thick and thin. Perhaps you have known them since childhood or college.

These friendships transcend time and have seen you at your best and very worst. 

Though time and distance pass, you can pick up the phone, and these magical people are there taking up where you left off.

Friendships do not come without a price. Anything of great value rarely does. 

A good friend is worth their weight in gold, and they’re the best investment you’ll ever make. But, it’s like a debit card. You can’t draw on funds that aren’t there. Make time to invest in your friendships. Nurture them.

Make the most of your friendships, but do not take advantage of them.  

When a friend cries out for help and you think you have no more to give, dig deeper to find the strength and reserve with no expectation of reciprocation.

I hope you place the value of making new friends high on your personal list of priorities for the coming year.

After the holidays have come and gone, in the immortal words of Robert Louis Stevenson, “A friend is a gift you give yourself.”