This month, our columnist thinks about the female friendships that have shaped her world
I have always been a tribal person and my female friends have always been a key part of my life. I can even remember running my own little gang of pals all those years ago at nursery school.
As I have moved around the world, living in different countries, following various spiritual practises and opening a number of businesses, I have met with wonderful women and men of all ages, who became lifelong friends. Sadly, I have also lost good friends from illness, which has created huge holes in the fabric of my life.
In my mid-thirties, far too young, I suddenly realised how precarious life and friendship could be. It was the 80s, I was in the fashion industry and running a PR agency, when some close friends became ill with HIV/Aids, and I seemed to be saying goodbye far too often to those I loved deeply. Around the same time, two of my best friends were diagnosed with cancer, and again I was saying goodbye. I was devastated and realised how crucial my friends were to my own wellbeing.
I continued to lose wonderful friends; extraordinary women, who I admired and loved. BodyShop Founder and activist, Anita Roddick; Gabrielle Roth, the founder of 5 Rhythms dance practice; BBC Broadcaster and social activist Sue Lloyd-Roberts, and more. I am so aware of how much all these friends gave to me when they were still alive and how often they are in my thoughts today.
Now, at the beginning of my seventh decade, I appreciate more than ever how important my friends are in my life and of course how social media has played a huge part in keeping me in touch with them all over the world. It has become so easy and important to make a quick call on WhatsApp or Facetime to catch up with someone dear to me on the other side of the world.
I have recently been trawling through the 5,000 friends on my personal Facebook page, most of whom I know, to create a new women-only closed group for my SEED Community.
I am aware that it is my female friends of all ages, backgrounds, nationalities and cultures in so many countries who are so important to me; we share our stories, laugh at each other’s jokes and talk about our children, loves and vision of a safe future for all.
I have recently relocated to Wincanton in Somerset, where I will probably stay now. There was no logical reason for moving here, and yet I have discovered how easy it is in a small town to forge deep new friendships.
New friendships start with a simple ‘good morning’ and lead to wonderful exchanges, adventures and experiences. I will never limit my friendship circle as it is a treasure chest of beautiful souls who give me joy and happiness every day.
Lynne Franks If you’re feeling inspired by what you’ve read, you can find out more about Lynne’s SEED Wellbeing Hub and Retreat Centre by visiting hubatno3.com . To join her private Facebook page for women, visit her group SEED Women With Lynne Franks
