Women need friendship but find this need competing with their jobs, families and other activities. Here are some ways to multi-task with friends.
1. Forget who called who last. Pick up the phone and touch someone.
We never know what is happening in our friend's life that may make calling a bit difficult. Never let the fact that she "owes" you a call keep you from picking up the phone.
2. Have a cooking party.
Once a month, have a “get ready for the week” cooking gathering with 1-3 of your friends. Bring your slow cookers, cook whole chickens, de-bone them, cut up veggies to place in bags, bake some bread, make homemade pasta, cook tofu, etc. You will be ready for a week or two worth of recipes by mixing and matching. Host “buys” and get reimbursed or other arrangements are made. Have fun!
3. Hit the sales!
For those who love to and those who don’t, in lean times, garage sales can make a big difference in how far money goes. Meet for coffee with the newspaper and map. Plan your attack. Have Fun!
4. Exercise.
We all need to keep in shape. Meet for a walk in the park, golf course in winter, or around the block. Aqua jog, do a yoga or exercise video once a week. Have fun!
5. Use your hands and make something you love.
Look at local high school programs or craft stores for adult arts/craft. Experience the joy of making something (pottery, beadwork, stained glass, specialized cooking) and do it with a friend.
6. Volunteer
Find a common "cause" and volunteer with the energy of two or more. Charities and service organizations are begging for help.
7. Host a creative night at your house!
Go to the library or Internet for ideas. Example: making bath bombs from very simple ingredients, or other simple cosmetics. Friends either bring their own ingredients or you ask for reimbursement for what you have purchased.
8. Do it yourself, handywoman
Pledge a trade of time to help each other with a particular do it yourself task. Example: painting a bedroom, cleaning the basement, planting a garden.
9. Book Club
Two-three friends can do this. The book can be fiction or non-fiction, something interesting to study together. Email support can make this easier if getting together in person on a regular basis is difficult.
10. Chick flicks
Have a movie you've put off seeing. Get friends together on a Friday night, Sunday afternoon. Have tissues and popcorn.
About the Submitter
This piece was originally submitted by Jennifer Wright, Occupational Therapist, Personal Coach, who can be reached at kiwijenn@xtra.co.nz, or visited on the web. Jennifer Wright wants you to know: It's your turn! Isn't it time to put yourself first. Internationally, she co-creates with woman seeking their highest good thru Wright Direction Coaching.
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