By Bobbie Legg of the GSACPC Authentic Leadership Community (ALC)

Each February 22, Girl Scouts and Girl Guides across 150 countries celebrate World Thinking Day. It is a day of international friendship and a time to stand up for causes that could improve the lives of girls around the globe. The World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS), which you—as a Girl Scout—are part of, has celebrated World Thinking Day since 1926. – GSUSA

“The good life is built with good relationships.”  – R. Waldinger

Every year, I received a big “think” envelope in the postal mail filled with letters from my Girl Scout friends from around the globe. We had all worked together at Our Chalet, the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts Center in Switzerland and promised to stay in touch every World Thinking Day -and we did. We met as 20-year-olds full of adventure with a thirst for living life.  Decades later, I still find joy in their connection—we’ve attended each other’s weddings, met on different continents, and cheered each other on during the toughest times.

The Harvard Study of Adult Development—the longest study on happiness and life satisfaction– shows that meaningful human connection is primary key to happiness, physical health and a longer life! One of those connections are friendships that act as stress regulators, allowing our bodies to heal and re-balance amidst the challenges of life. And if there’s something I’ve learned from Girl Scouting, is that Girl Scouts are experts at creating, nurturing, and keeping close friendships.

The truth is, I worry that many Girl Scout volunteers may struggle with feeling disconnected as they scroll through pictures online or gaze at others hiking or brunching together.

What does it take to make connections as an adult? Vulnerability and courage. It takes courage to put yourself out there and meet new people.  It takes prioritizing relationships and engaging in fun recreation with friends and loved ones instead of being consumed by a never-ending to-do list. At the Authentic Leadership Community (ALC), we believe in nurturing friendships and caring relationships to experience full, healthy connection and community. Our passion is using Girl Scouting to support girls and adults in being true to themselves, so we can all build happier and healthier lives.

As we reflect on another World Thinking Day that has past, The Authentic Leadership Community (ALC) wants you to know that we are here, we care about supporting you and would love for you to join us.

I will leave you with this excerpt from John O’Donohue’s poem, A Friendship Blessing:

    May you be blessed with good friends.

    May you learn to be a good friend to yourself.

    May you be able to journey to that place in your soul where there is great love, warmth, feeling and forgiveness.

    May this change you.

Want to learn more about the GSACPC Authentic Leadership Community? Check out Authentic Girl Scout Leadership booklet. Interested in joining, email volunteerlearning@girlscoutsaz.org.