The power of friends

 Last night we got to visit a new hang out place with our friends. It is a brick fired pizza restaurant with self-service beer taps. 

So. Much. Fun. 

We are moving into a season of life where we will be surrounded by chaos. Homeschooling the kids, doing full time online degree work with Denver Seminary, and me working outside of the home most days... plus a handful of personal commitments. Last night felt a little bit like a farewell to our excessive free time. 

There was live music, and the artist did such a good job interacting with his audience. And a fabulous atmosphere of community. At some point the server sat at our table for his break, and then one of the owners did too! Ha! (Reason 823 for why I love Greeley.) 

There was a praying mantis that ended up on Peter's shirt. We didn't see it, but a lady at another table did. She came to warn us. 

We removed the bug, and it CAME BACK to crawl on our friend's shirt. The children that were playing alongside the patio came and rescued us and took it to the far away bushes. 

It was so restorative to find my way into a place of deep community. 

Does anyone else feel like they are in need of that? Our social lives have been in such a state of disruption. Every time I talk to someone they are wrestling with more and more struggle. 

Have you ever heard of the mind-body connection? It is a concept that suggests that our mental well being is affected by our physical health, and our physical health is affected by our mental health. If one is sick, the other is surely suffering as well. 

There is also social research (which I have also added to) that says that our relationships with those who surround us are intricately connected to our mental health. 

What this means is that relationships matter. Being in positive social situations, having friends, and enjoying our co-workers makes us healthier people. Being in negative social relationships makes us sicker. 

I don't know what you're going into now that Summer is wrapping up... but it seems important to remind you, friends, to fight for positivity in your life. Get rid of the the junk baggage and only carry the things that will make you better. Especially your friends! 

Stay social, Dear Ones.