On Being a Friend

Today I’m meeting my girlfriend who I’ve not seen in a year. We don’t visit very often , but when we’re together it’s like no time passed at all. I hope you nurture your friendships always and have the wisdom to understand the differant seasons.

‘Sometimes being a friend
means mastering the art of timing.
There is a time for silence.
A time to let go and allow people
to hurl themselves into their own destiny.And a time to prepare to pick up the pieces when it’s all over.’
~ Octavia Butler

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Knowing What I Now Know (KWINK)

‘Knowing what I now know, would I get into this if I had to start over today?’ (Brian Tracy)

I like to ask myself this question now and then. It helps me be certain that my life is in line with the things that are important to me. You can apply this question to relationships; products you’re using; investments;  services  &/ expenses. If your answer is ‘no’, you need to plan how to get out.   Once I asked myself this question after volunteering in a position for awhile.  It just was not what I thought it was,  so I resigned.  I’ve questioned my investments and set up a plan to get out of a few.   I’ve suggested to my daughters that they ask themselves this question about friendships.  Sometimes people, investments, products etc. just aren’t what we thought they were and that’s okay. Just give yourself permission to get out.

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Guy Time

You know ladies; I really like to support my husband when he has his guy time. He’s become good at balancing his free time between our family and his personal interests.  Sometimes he and his friends go fishing; golfing or hiking for a few days. Other times he attends the hot rod car club meeting; joins his friends for Friday morning coffee (going on 11 years now); and most recently he’s playing hockey. Men need there time, just like we do.  Give your husband the freedom to fulfill his interests; it will add value to your marriage.

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Friendship

Recently, I met my dear friend for breakfast.  We hadn’t seen each other for awhile.  When she asked what was going on in my life, I shared my journey with her. We laughed and we cried together.  I felt so much better after I was able to share what was on my heart – with another woman.   I just wonder how many women could avoid professional counseling if they had a close friend to talk with – someone that accepted them for who they are.   Ladies, once again, I encourage you to nurture a few soul type friendships.  Have a wonderful day. Linda

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Girlfriends

Today I was reminded of a very special gift that I have – my girlfriends.  My friend, of 24 years, and I went to aquasize and yoga this morning. Afterwards, we went for coffee and chatted about things on our heart.  Visiting with friends is an important part of keeping my life balanced.  I really want to encourage you, ladies, to create and nurture a few ‘soul mate’ type friendships. Remember that a healthy friendship never takes priority over your marriage or children.  If you do not have a female friendship right now, I urge you to develop one, then two and so on. There was a time when I was lonely for a girlfriend.  My children were young and I was a busy stay at home mom and wife. I met a woman, about my age, in my neighborhood and invited her for coffee.  Our children played while we visited. We made it a habit of getting together regularly to talk ‘girl talk’.  She moved away to another city after about one year. I really missed her at first.  Since that time, 25 years ago, I continue to create, maintain and nurture friendships. Some friendships last longer than others; it depends on the season of our lives. Ladies, I hope you take the time to be a friend and have a friend. Your life will be richer.

(Originally written December 24, 2009)

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