Thank you for this very timely message. I came to a similar place recently when I was so preoccupied with getting all my friends who have read my book to leave an Amazon review... twisting arms, guilt tripping, feeling guilty, feeling neglected.. the whole kit and kaboodle and suddenly I realized that I hadn't written a review for their book, I hadn't reached out to thank them or congratulate them. When I shifted gears and wrote the reviews and sent the emails, it felt wonderful, as though a blanket of self preoccupation had been lifted and I could a world that I was not the center of out there.
And that reminds me I still owe a couple people book reviews. If I was really ambitious, I would put together a post on the good books I've read recently. I will put it on the list.
My hubby and I are making Irish stew and pumpkin pie. We invited our kids, inlaws and grandkids. We love cooking and gathering together. I love winter, I think its the best time to snuggle together.
Very nice post, thank you. I've held many long friendships over my life, and I've built communities of friends in different places. I like your analogy of what if your idea of a puddle is an ocean to your friend. I've seen this many times, and I've found it's best to just wait and leave expectations. Not always easy, but better in the long run.
I think we all have our seasons. I try to reach out now and then to make contact with friends I have not heard from in a while, just to make sure they are okay. Sometimes it can make a world of difference to someone who is in a bad place in their mind.
How exciting! I hope you really enjoy each other's company. I've met so many lovely healthcare professionals during my own health journey. People who go into that line of work are very special indeed.
So much wisdom here. My friendships are all different, partly because I’ve kept friends as I’ve moved to different cities. That’s part of the beauty of the online world and of smartphones: we can stay connected quickly and easily. (I’m quick to acknowledge that there are also many dark places online.) I’ve come to understand that some friends are not going to call me and that’s ok. They are always happy to take my calls and to visit in person when I’m in their town. One dear friend serves me tea and chocolates when I visit—two of my favorite things—and I treasure our 60-year friendship. Another friend connects about twice a year and I cherish our calls. One more relationship starts and stops as we each have the energy; we share a similar sense of humor and have had some terrific laughs. Deep friendships take time and grace. As an older woman I understand how very hard it is to cultivate a new bond. There’s something incredibly rewarding and nurturing about being known. I don’t toss that to one side without good reason.
Yes, that is the beauty of modern technology. We can stay in touch wherever we go. A friend of 60 years is truly a treasure! I hope to be able to say the same in a few years time.
Thank you for this very timely message. I came to a similar place recently when I was so preoccupied with getting all my friends who have read my book to leave an Amazon review... twisting arms, guilt tripping, feeling guilty, feeling neglected.. the whole kit and kaboodle and suddenly I realized that I hadn't written a review for their book, I hadn't reached out to thank them or congratulate them. When I shifted gears and wrote the reviews and sent the emails, it felt wonderful, as though a blanket of self preoccupation had been lifted and I could a world that I was not the center of out there.
Yes, everything depends on perspective.
And that reminds me I still owe a couple people book reviews. If I was really ambitious, I would put together a post on the good books I've read recently. I will put it on the list.
My hubby and I are making Irish stew and pumpkin pie. We invited our kids, inlaws and grandkids. We love cooking and gathering together. I love winter, I think its the best time to snuggle together.
I love winter for that reason!
That sounds delicious! Such a cozy and inviting environment. You have a perfect antidote to the winter blues.
Very nice post, thank you. I've held many long friendships over my life, and I've built communities of friends in different places. I like your analogy of what if your idea of a puddle is an ocean to your friend. I've seen this many times, and I've found it's best to just wait and leave expectations. Not always easy, but better in the long run.
I think we all have our seasons. I try to reach out now and then to make contact with friends I have not heard from in a while, just to make sure they are okay. Sometimes it can make a world of difference to someone who is in a bad place in their mind.
Starting with a new client tomorrow. Excited to meet her. In home health care.
How exciting! I hope you really enjoy each other's company. I've met so many lovely healthcare professionals during my own health journey. People who go into that line of work are very special indeed.
This is great advice. I hope people take action.
Thank you. I would like to hope so as well.
So much wisdom here. My friendships are all different, partly because I’ve kept friends as I’ve moved to different cities. That’s part of the beauty of the online world and of smartphones: we can stay connected quickly and easily. (I’m quick to acknowledge that there are also many dark places online.) I’ve come to understand that some friends are not going to call me and that’s ok. They are always happy to take my calls and to visit in person when I’m in their town. One dear friend serves me tea and chocolates when I visit—two of my favorite things—and I treasure our 60-year friendship. Another friend connects about twice a year and I cherish our calls. One more relationship starts and stops as we each have the energy; we share a similar sense of humor and have had some terrific laughs. Deep friendships take time and grace. As an older woman I understand how very hard it is to cultivate a new bond. There’s something incredibly rewarding and nurturing about being known. I don’t toss that to one side without good reason.
Yes, that is the beauty of modern technology. We can stay in touch wherever we go. A friend of 60 years is truly a treasure! I hope to be able to say the same in a few years time.