Cultivating Friendships
For many years in a row, my longtime high school girlfriends and I have gathered together to celebrate the beautiful blooms of summer by creating what we refer to as friendship pots. Everyone brings whatever flowers or plants they want to share. There are no rules or guidelines while we plant our flower garden from the gorgeous assortment that magically show up.
We bring our garden gloves, handheld rakes and shovels, then begin building our individually designed masterpiece. Although, the flowers are the same varieties throughout the pots, they are put together in unique and different patterns and no two are alike.
For the last couple years we had skipped the tradition. It started during lockdown and continued for the next summer or two. It made me happy we decided to continue this year with the well loved get-together. It’s both a blessing and a treasure to take part in the day.
Friendships are like a garden. They require planting, nurturing, weeding, sunshine, rain, and overcoming the occasional storm.
Simple ways to cultivate friendship:
Listen
Show up
Be authentic
Respect
Empathize
Find joy
Have fun
Laugh
Be vulnerable
Appreciate
Our friendship pot always turns out to be my favorite flowers of the season. Each time I walk out my front door, I notice the vibrant colors, textures, and patterns. I fondly think about my circle of friends that continue gathering together to cultivate both flowers and friendships. It’s both a mystery and a surprise on what our summer flower arrangements will look like.
Just like the friendships we bring to the table, we all contribute something wonderfully unique and special to the relationship that blends together to build the imperfectly, perfect, garden of friends we’ve come to depend on. How are you cultivating friendships?
xoxox…..Sheryl
PS … Our fearless leader Sue, brilliantly hosts the event each year. Thank you friend for being an integral part of cultivating friendships within our sacred circle.
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