International Day of Friendship: Peace, Unity & Harmony

Earlier this year, I shared the importance of prioritizing in-person contact as we seek to improve connections and nurture friendships. I believe bringing people together builds relationships more effectively than anything else.

Each July we recognize the International Day of Friendship. It’s an opportunity to decrease divisions, increase harmony, and truly connect with the people who matter most to us.

As proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in establishing this special day, “friendship between peoples, countries, cultures, and individuals can inspire peace efforts and build bridges between communities.”

Peace and unity are worthwhile ideals that we should always strive to achieve. But, as we know, our world is complex and filled with differing views. Even the best of friends aren’t apt to agree all the time. That’s normal and healthy.

Yet, it’s readily apparent that friendships built on solid foundations and nurtured by care, compassion, and kindness overcome differences to endure and even thrive.

Efforts Are Rewarded

These types of valuable relationships take work. Though technology improves and simplifies our lives in many ways, modern communication methods—text, email, and social media, for instance—often threaten our ability to pick up on nuances and increase the potential for misunderstandings.

Sharing moments of laughter with friends enriches our lives in profound ways. It promotes understanding, empathy, and a sense of belonging.

As we celebrate International Day of Friendship, let’s not take for granted the friends in our lives. Reach out, spend quality time together, and create memories that will fuel our souls. I truly value the friendships I’ve made with people all over the world.

Friendship is a universal language that unites us. Meaningful connections enhance our own lives and, I believe, contribute to a more compassionate world.

I originally shared a version of this article in my monthly e-newsletter. To subscribe, please click here.