3-12-2024 11:52am

A Friend in Need

Christine Larkin Editor

SKYLARK'S ARTICLE OF THE WEEK - A FRIEND IN NEED

We all go through difficult times in life, but sometimes we have a friend in need. This is when we put our own troubles aside and pick up the phone. In a world where texting is the common language, there's nothing like a good old-fashioned phone call.

Friends can become like family. If you're lucky enough, you most likely have a couple of friends that you've known most of your life. As we age, some of our problems may be difficult to traverse alone. That's when we may find ourselves in need of a good friend to hold us up, to encourage us to go on. Sometimes just listening is the best language.

Friendships are necessary for well-being and happiness. They can help us celebrate good times and provide support during bad times. Friends prevent isolation and loneliness and give us a chance to offer needed companionship, too. Friends can also increase our sense of belonging and purpose. Friends can reduce our stress, improve our self-confidence and self-worth. They can help us cope with traumas, such as divorce, serious illness, job loss, the death of a loved one, or support you as you care for a family member. Friends can also encourage us to change or avoid unhealthy lifestyle habits if they become a problem. Friends can be more than just friends.

Forming and maintaining friendships is one of the most important developmental tasks in adolescence. Supportive and high-quality friendships have been related to positive developmental outcomes and mental health both concurrently and in the long term. Friendships also protect against negative effects of adverse experiences such as intimidation or personal threats.

Despite ample evidence relating friendships to well-being, we know relatively little about the underlying mechanisms involved. Studies suggest that friendships involve reward and motivational processes (involving the ventral striatum and the ventromedial prefrontal cortex), and self and other related mentalizing processes (involving the medial prefrontal cortex and the temporoparietal regions). Friendships can impact our mental health in a very positive way.

Forming new friendships as we age can be difficult. Most of our lasting friendships happen when we're young in our early development. There's nothing better than a good visit with an old friend to encourage them (and visa-versa) to carry on through difficult times and be a lifeline, whether it's in person or on the phone. Does anyone still have a landline?

Peace and Love,

Skylark

At 60 and Beyond, taking time out to support a friend in need is essential to well-being, and helping them can be very rewarding for both of you.

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SKYLARK'S PICK OF THE WEEK - THE BELLPORT RESTAURANT

Located just steps away from the Gateway Playhouse nestled in the town of Bellport on Long Island, The Bellport Restaurant is a hidden gem that has been serving the community with culinary delights for almost three decades. Known for its ever changing seafood specials, house made pasta offerings, buttermilk fried chicken, classic pecan pie and Sunday brunch, there is something for everyone on the menu at the Bellport Restaurant.

This is a great spot to catch up with a girlfriend. For more information, visit www.thebellportrestaurant.com

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SKYLARK'S PRAYER OF THE WEEK

Dear God,

Help me to be a good friend to a friend in need. Whether it's an old friend or a new one, let me be the guiding light and listener they need. Amen

SKYLARK'S INSPIRATIONAL QUOTE OF THE WEEK

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SKYLARK'S QUESTION OF THE WEEK

What does spending time with a good friend mean to you?

Please put your answer in the Reply bubble at the bottom next to the heart in this newsletter. I'd love to hear from you. Thank you.

SKYLARK'S SONG OF THE WEEK - YOU'VE GOT A FRIEND by JAMES TAYLOR

LYRICS

When you're down and troubled
And you need some lovin' care
And nothin', nothin' is goin' right
Close your eyes and think of me
And soon I will be there
To brighten up even your darkest night

You just call out my name
And you know, wherever I am
I'll come runnin'
To see you again
Winter, spring, summer or fall
All you have to do is call
And I'll be there
You've got a friend

If the sky above you
Grows dark and full of clouds
And that old north wind begins to blow
Keep your head together
And call my name out loud
Soon you'll hear me knockin' at your door

You just call out my name
And you know, wherever I am
I'll come runnin', runnin', yeah, yeah
To see you again
Winter, spring, summer or fall
All you have to do is call
And I'll be there, yes, I will

Now, ain't it good to know that you've got a friend
When people can be so cold?
They'll hurt you, yes, and desert you
And take your soul if you let them
Oh, but don't you let them

You just call out my name
And you know, wherever I am
I'll come runnin', runnin', yeah, yeah
To see you again
Winter, spring, summer or fall
All you have to do is call
And I'll be there, yes, I will
You've got a friend
You've got a friend

Ain't it good to know you've got a friend
Ain't it good to know, ain't it good to know
Ain't it good to know
You've got a friend
Oh, yeah, now, you've got a friend
Yeah baby, you've got a friend
Oh, yeah, you've got a friend

ABOUT SKYLARK

My brand, Skylark Live, consists of a weekly newsletter; Skylark Live Town News, and a monthly vlog; 60 and Beyond with Skylark. I’m still mulling around the idea of monthly in-person chats called The Skylark Sessions. This is a work in progress. They are all designed to inspire and motivate people to thrive in older age through knowledge and self-awareness at 60 and beyond. Andiamo! Let's go!

Skylark Live Town News - My weekly newsletter features articles about human interest, nature, general observations, inspiration, motivation, music, places I've been to, and ideas I want to explore. I represent Bay Shore and towns beyond. There is also a calendar of events. And, I throw in Italian words because I love the language and all things Italian. Bella Italia! As a paying subscriber, you will receive my newsletter each Wednesday morning in your email. That gives you a head's up. You can also advertise your business or event on my newsletter. Just click this link to subscribe For updates, subscribe to our free newsletter!

60 and Beyond with Skylark Vlog - This is my first Monday-of-the month vlog that is inspirational and motivational and is a reflection of what I've written about in my newsletter throughout the month. My vlog is recorded and posted on my YouTube channel, as well as on my Patreon account and my social media sites. Just click my YouTube channel link to subscribe:

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Thank you for your love and support. Apprezza la giornata. Cherish the day. Saluti! Cheers!