A Little Light: Daily Musings with Mary Sue
Welcome to May 27! I know, it’s not Christmas, but I just couldn’t help myself. I woke up very early yesterday; it was too early for my morning walk. I decided to be productive as I waited for the sun to rise, and noticed a shelf needed organized. There in the very back of the shelf was our family’s favorite Christmas movie, “It’s a Wonderful Life.” I could not resist the urge; I made my coffee and watched this old classic. I was reminded through this touching film, how very “successful” I am. Not for what I have done or do, rather, because I have dear and wonderful friends! Yes, the kind of “stick with you through thick and thin” friends who have seen me through so much of life’s joys and challenges. I decided this week to let these friends know how much their lives have meant to mine. Would you like to join me on this quest of gratitude? I hope you do! Let’s join together and let our friends know how they help in making our lives so very successful! Please see links below to some of my favorite songs about friendship! FACT: According to the National Council for Behavior Health, friendship is key to mental health. It can be hard to talk to family members about mental health. That’s why it is important to have healthy friendships to turn to in times of need. Our friends can be that ear to talk to, shoulder to lean on and nonjudgmental perspective that we need. They can also help increase our sense of belonging, improve our self-confidence and help reduce stress and anxiety. In fact, studies have shown that “those who enjoy close friendships over their teenage years have a lower rate of depression or anxiety later in life.”
LINKS: James Taylor and Carol King: You’ve Got a Friend: tour 1971: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q7RPCFfudmU Bill Withers, Stevie Wonder and John Legend perform "Lean on Me" at the 2015 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2YapAxPfRyI The Beatles - With A Little Help From My Friend LIVE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=75Oct1Qv8x0 Randy Newman - You've Got a Friend in Me: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gqReCxJ_QsE
Until tomorrow my friend, Mary Sue Reutebuch, Director of Christian Formation: Family and Youth Programs [email protected]