Exploring one of life's most valuable gifts
As I scrolled through social media recently, I found myself feeling shocked and angered by a friend's post that I perceived as deeply insensitive. She is not a friend I see every day and my first reaction was to stop following her. But then I took a deep breath and considered how well-intentioned this friend... Continue Reading →
In honor of February's Black History Month observance, Language of Friendship has compiled several quotes from black leaders and artists who inspire us. We hope you'll add to the collection in the comments below! My humanity is bound up in yours, for we can only be human together. --Desmond Tutu If you find it in... Continue Reading →
October 7, 2023, was a devastating day, kicking off a protracted war in the Middle East, with 251 people taken captive by Hamas. People around the world have been praying for the safe return of the hostages and a resolution to the violent conflict. The January 2025 cease-fire agreement between Israel and Hamas has led... Continue Reading →
California dreaming turned nightmarish this week as wildfires roared unabated through Los Angeles County. Entire communities that were thriving and beautiful just days ago have been reduced to ashes. My talented LA-based friend and artist Zoe created the illustration above and penned a powerful letter to the fire to convey her feeling of living with... Continue Reading →
No matter which candidate you voted for this week, chances are you had strong feelings about the election. Our politics have become so divisive in recent years that losing friends and cutting ties with family members has become relatively commonplace. At a time when many people are already suffering from social isolation, losing or damaging... Continue Reading →
Most people crave the feeling of belonging. A desire to create community and coalesce around a shared purpose is what has led to the lasting success of many community, university, and social organizations. Growing up, we find community in the classroom, experience shared victories on sports teams, and discover common interests in clubs. Then we... Continue Reading →
This week I unexpectedly attended two funerals. The first was for the 88-year-old father of a close college friend. Her father was a very successful businessman, who had found time to call his daughter daily. She will certainly miss him dearly. The second funeral was for the 23-year-old daughter of a local friend. When illness... Continue Reading →
In our daily lives, we often interact with people in a service capacity – baristas, hair stylists, receptionists, or therapists – to name a few. We might not think much of these interactions at the start, but over time they can blossom into meaningful relationships. Friendly interactions with those in service roles are loose connections... Continue Reading →
September is National Suicide Prevention Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness of suicide risk and promoting resources for prevention. According to the CDC, “suicide is one of the leading causes of death in the United States,” and results in “one death every 11 minutes.” It is an overwhelming statistic, and suicide can seemingly occur... Continue Reading →
Today marks the passing of 23 years since the vile and senseless terrorist attacks that resulted in the murder of nearly 3,000 innocent souls and exponentially more lives that were altered forever that day. We will never forget the victims and their loved ones who continue to cope with their losses. Of joys departed, not... Continue Reading →
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