You’ve got a friend in me

Have you heard of International Day of Friendship?

Every year on July 30th, the world comes together to celebrate and recognise the importance of human connection. Why? Because friendship has the power to transcend boundaries, cultures, and differences. But what does friendship truly mean in today’s world?

The essence of friendship

Friendship is a bond that enriches our lives in countless ways. What would we do without our friends? They provide a listening ear, a helping hand, someone to laugh with and someone to cry with. Friendship provides a sense of belonging and, importantly, it is the foundation upon which strong relationships are built.

In an increasingly interconnected world, the significance of friendship has never been more apparent. Social media has made it easier than ever to connect with people from all walks of life, but of course we must remember that true friendship goes beyond likes and comments. It’s about genuine connection, shared experiences, and mutual respect.

And, while there will be times when we let each other down, it’s important to acknowledge the power of forgiveness. Yes we know that forgiveness can often be hard, but evidence shows it is good for living a full life. 

Friendship beyond borders

The United Nations recognised the power of friendship when it established International Day of Friendship. The goal is to promote peace, understanding, and cooperation among people from different cultures and backgrounds. By fostering friendships across borders, we can create a more harmonious and inclusive world.

Friendship can be a catalyst for positive change. It can inspire us to work together to address global challenges, such as climate change, poverty, and inequality. By building bridges between communities, we can create a more just and equitable society for all.

Last year, Australia recognised or resettled almost 30 000 refugees—a 7 year high. These are individuals and families looking to rebuild their lives in a safe place. These are people just like you and me—people who need a listening ear and a helping hand. There are countless opportunities to volunteer to help refugees settle in Australia. And what a wonderful way to make new friends! Friends with diverse cultures and fascinating experiences enrich our communities and our lives.

Celebrating friendship

There are so many ways we can celebrate Friendship Day. You could reach out to an old friend you haven’t seen for a while, plan a get-together with your closest mates, or simply take a moment to appreciate the friends in your life. You could also volunteer your time to a cause you care about, or join in a community event that promotes friendship and unity.

No matter how you choose to celebrate, the most important thing is to cherish the friendships you have, and to cultivate new ones. Can you ever have too many friends? 

Let’s use the day as an opportunity to strengthen our friendships and build a brighter future together.

How will you celebrate Friendship Day? We’d love you to share your thoughts and stories in the comments section. Or join the Glimmer community—a great place to make some new lifelong friends.

Sources:

International Day of Friendship 30 July. https://www.un.org/en/observances/friendship-day

Refugees Protected in Australia at 7-Year High, UNHCR Data Shows. https://www.refugeecouncil.org.au/refugees-protected-in-australia-2023/