This International Day of Friendship got me thinking …What is Friendship? Is it the most valuable and important part of human life? Is it the bond that connects to another human being?
Friendship is one of the most important and valuable aspects of human life. It is the bond that connects us to others, and it has been a fundamental part of human society since the beginning of time. From childhood to old age, we seek out connections with others, and these connections often develop into friendships. Sometimes these friendships provide us a sense of belonging and acceptance that even our own families can’t. It gives us a support system, someone to turn to when we need advice, comfort, or encouragement. When we have friends, we know that we are not alone in the world.
Now another thought was - are we more creative when we have strong friendships?
Creativity is often seen as a solitary pursuit, with artists, writers, and inventors working in isolation to create their masterpieces. However, creativity is not always a solitary endeavor. Many great creative minds have been fueled by the support and inspiration of their friends. When we have friends who share our interests, we are more likely to explore our passions and take risks. This can lead to new ideas and breakthroughs in our work.
Creativity and friendship share a strong connection that is often overlooked. Friendships can be a source of inspiration for creative endeavors, and creative pursuits can also foster new friendships. When we are surrounded by supportive and like-minded individuals, we feel more comfortable exploring our creative potential. This encouragement can lead to exciting collaborations and innovations that may not have been possible alone. Additionally, creative activities often provide opportunities to meet new people and form meaningful connections. So, whether we are engaging in artistic expression, music, or any other form of creativity, we can benefit greatly from the friendships that we cultivate along the way.
The connection between friendship and creativity is a powerful one that can bring joy and fulfillment to our lives. As we celebrate the International Day of Friendship, it is important to recognize the value of both friendship and creativity.
Friendship provides us with a support system that can encourage us to explore our passions and take risks. It can also offer valuable feedback and constructive criticism that can help us improve our skills and reach our full creative potential. Collaboration with friends on creative projects can create shared experiences and deepen connections, while trying new creative activities together can build trust and create shared memories. Another way to connect creativity and friendship is to explore new creative activities together. Trying something new, whether it's taking a dance class, learning a new instrument, or experimenting with a new art form, can be a fun and exciting way to bond with others.
At the same time, engaging in creative activities with others can help us connect on a deeper level and express our thoughts and emotions in a way that words alone may not allow. This vulnerability and openness can deepen friendships and create a sense of belonging.
So, let us embrace the power of friendship and creativity and explore ways to connect the two in our lives. Whether it is through starting a group creative project, exploring new creative activities with friends, or simply expressing ourselves through art or writing, the connection between friendship and creativity can bring happiness and fulfillment to our lives.
About the author:
Simran Ballani is an accomplished educationist, curriculum innovator, and workplace happiness coach with extensive knowledge in social and emotional learning (SEL), educational strategy and implementation, parenting, student engagement, education psychology, teaching and learning, employee engagement, and organizational happiness. With a career spanning more than 25 years across the US, India, and Asia, she has a proven track record in education, client servicing, and performance and happiness coaching.
Ms. Ballani is a certified Workplace Happiness Coach by Happiitude and the Berkeley Institute of Wellbeing, CA, USA. She has authored the book "Early Childhood Development - Universal Perspectives by Global Experts," and is a sought-after keynote speaker. Furthermore, as an innovator and developer of Finnish early years curriculum, she possesses exceptional expertise in pedagogy implementation and strategy. She is currently pursuing her doctoral degree with the European International University, with a focus on SEL in early years.
Ms. Ballani's work is rooted in creative pedagogy, early years research, and unlocking happiness in the workplace. She collaborates with clients to identify their personal and organizational goals, promote mindfulness, and monitor progress towards achieving new levels of confidence, leadership, and creativity. Her contributions to the field of early years education, SEL research, and social-emotional learning have been widely recognized by international conferences and research committees.