Communication essentials: friends

One of my favorite Christmas songs is ‘Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.’ (Interesting side note – click here to read about the original lyrics to the song, how Judy Garland lobbied to change them and, of course, Frank Sinatra made better with his version.)

Despite some true legends singing this, my favorite is Coldplay’s version. As I’ve gotten older (and a little smarter), I think the reason I like this song so much is the verse that goes: Through the years we all will be together/If the fates allow.

In a year where I have talked so much about the importance of friends, this verse is a fitting reminder, in a song traditionally enjoyed at the end of the year, to stop and be grateful for friends. All the years of being together … and a subtle reminder that it’s not up to us just how long we will be together.

Some may find that verse sobering. I don’t. I appreciate it because it’s what reminds me that even though schedules are busy, days are full and lives are stressful, we deserve to take a minute and enjoy our friends as long as we can. What are we waiting for?

So as the year comes to a close and I put a bow on the communications essentials blog for 2021 … that is today’s communication essential: friends. Make ’em. Keep ’em. Cherish ’em. You can never have enough. And on the flip side, you can never be a friend to too many people.

Thank you to all of my friends who join me here in this blog, in the daily journey of leadership and overall pursuit of happiness. Have a great holiday season and see ya next year!

“Remember, no one is a failure who has friends.”

It’s a Wonderful Life