The middle of January, one of our darkest months, seems like a fitting time for a national holiday honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. He shined a bright spotlight on the systemic racial injustice and inequality suffered by Black Americans, leading to major societal changes including the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting... Continue Reading →
Embracing the Darkest Months
January is a tough month in most of the U.S. Not only is it cold and dark when I start and end my commute each day, but the return to work or school after a holiday break is just hard. Over the years, I’ve relied on a few coping techniques, such as working out more... Continue Reading →
What’s Happening in 2026
Welcome to 2026! We hope you enjoyed a festive holiday season with friends and family. Now that the new year is here, I've been looking at the calendar to see what opportunities this year has in store for making memories together with people you care about. I've found plenty of events to add to my... Continue Reading →
Holiday Wishes for Peace and Love
World events and the news have been bleak this week, but that just reinforces our message about the importance of friendship, community and connection. For nearly five years now, Julia and I have taken time each week to reflect on the vital nature of friendship to add meaning and joy to our lives, as well... Continue Reading →
Putting Gratitude into Action
Last weekend Sara wrote about how practicing gratitude positively impacts our well-being. The recent Thanksgiving holiday served as an opportunity to notice the good, and it helps ground us in appreciation. But gratitude doesn’t have to stop at reflection; it can also be a good motivation for action. Reflecting on the many things we are... Continue Reading →
Poems of Gratitude
With Thanksgiving coming up this week, I am thinking about gratitude and how important it is to our mental and physical well-being. Julia's post about World Gratitude Day in September referenced an article published by Harvard Medical School discussing how practicing gratitude not only improves our mood but it also can extend our lives. Some... Continue Reading →
Halloween Fun 👻🎃
This fall has been so beautiful (and warm!) in my area that I can hardly believe how fast this month is passing by. Halloween is almost here, and I'm reminded daily of all the reasons why I love this holiday, and this season, so dearly. It's as much fun to scare as to be scared.... Continue Reading →
Honoring Fathers
On this Father’s Day, we pause to honor the steadfast presence that so many fathers, and father figures, bring to our lives. They’re the early morning alarm clocks, the after-hours homework helpers, and in the case of my dad, the person who always made sure my car was full of gas. Dads teach us resilience... Continue Reading →
BHM: Notable Quotes
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 →
Prioritizing Friendships
The start of a new year is the perfect time to reflect on the relationships that matter most to us. Friendships are critical to our lives, providing support, joy, and a sense of belonging. However, during the busy months leading up to the new year, it's easy to let some connections slip. As we shared... Continue Reading →