| Jun. 2nd, 2008 @ 12:06 am Art of Friendship |
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Current Mood:  touched
Current Music: A Friend's a Friend Forever
There's a special art to being a good friend and sustaining a long-term friendship. I had the privilege of spending the weekend with some of my best friends -- my husband's fraternity brothers whom he's known for over 20 years now! I have very few friendships dating back that far, fewer still of that depth.
My husband is my dearest friend. He's taught me so much about being a true friend, trusting and allowing vulnerability. He has also taught me peace and patience because he is such a great model of both! Over the 9 years that we've been married, I think I can say I've grown in the art of friendship. My "old" friendships are deeper and stronger -- although some of them have had to go through the ringer to get there -- and the "new" friendships I create start off on a better footing. I have less tendency to surround myself with lots of people for the sake of being popular, although I do still draw people to me. Now, I seek out the rare treasures among people to whom I am drawn for some special element -- artistry, intellect, unique personality, etc.
I count myself as blessed now for some of the friendships I'm building in my life. These friends have come to my rescue in the past year in ways I could never have imagined. My friends bring me great joy, and this has been especially true today, on my birthday. I'm grateful to all my friends, far and near, who have sent me best wishes -- by phone, by email, by "wall," in person, and even by ESP!!
To have dear friends, you have to be one -- so, dear friends, know that I love you dearly in return and am sending back my heart to you with all the best wishes for happiness in return.
To those seeking friends, it's really not as difficult as you might believe. In preschool, children simply start out in the sandbox, sharing toys, and they either implicitly decide to be friends or one child says "let's be friends" and the other agrees. The only reason it gets more complicated in adulthood is pride and social awkwardness. So, let that go. When you find someone cool, don't be afraid to let them know you like them and ask them to be friends. Simple art. Simple lines. Masterpieces.
To those missing friends . . . it hurts, yes. If it's by your choice, be big -- apologize. Or forgive. Whatever the case, take the first step. It feels so good. If it's not by your choice, depending on the circumstances, try the aforementioned approaches, if feasible. When you can't, say a blessing and let go. You can hold a friend in your heart while setting them free -- and sometimes that's the best thing for both of you.
People come into our lives at various times -- some stay for a little while, some for a long while. Treasure the moments together and even if they seem like a blip, make them last forever in your heart. That is the art of friendship -- sustaining the treasure.
So, to all friends . . . old, new, yet to come . . . blessings and good wishes to you, today and always, with the warmth of the sun on your face, the strength of the wind at your back, and the hand of a friend in yours always, to keep you company on the journey. |
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