For The Good Times

Have you ever awakened with a song running around in your head without a particular reason?

I had that happen this morning.  "Don't be sad, I know it's over," were the first words that popped into my head this morning.  Crazy.  "There's no need to watch the bridges as they're burning..." and so on...I think the line that struck me hardest was "make believe you love me one more time...for the good times."

I think we can all relate to those "good times" and those "bad times."  No matter where you are in your life right now, I'm sure you can remember those "good times."  Wouldn't be amazing if you could remember only those, and forget those "bad times."  Then again, I am sure that those "bad times" are sometimes the points in life where we grow the most.

If life were always easy I don't think we could relate to the struggles going on the the world around us.  I would certainly like to see more Love in this world, wouldn't you?  With war, shootings, bombings and all sorts of angst and fighting going on around us all the times, sometimes the "good times" are hard to appreciate.

Do you remember your first crush?  Do you remember how devastating it seemed when it was over?  But, looking back I'm sure you would agree that it was just a tiny bump in the road.  There are lots of bumps in the road on this journey we call life...some little and some HUGE!  The trick is to learn how to survive and thrive in spite of those bumps.

The bumps never really get easier, but I do think that we learn different ways to cope with them as we age.  I'm not saying you will never get knocked down, never grieve, never hurt.  You will.  But, with reflection and effort and maybe a few hugs from friends you will get up and run again.  You will have more good times.

One thing that is really important here is to say that YOU need to reach out and hug someone today.  Under those smiles we all wear in public are sometimes terribly broken hearts, and just one kind word, smile or hug can help another person over a bad moment or even a bad day.  You see, we tend to get so wrapped up in our own troubles that we forget the struggles of those around us.

I am looking forward to some more good times, but I am sure there will be that balance of bad times to go along with them.  I'm looking forward to love again.  It's been a long time coming, but I'm sure that it will return.  Find someone to share the good times with, because with a friend and lover at your side the good times are elevated to new highs.

I've always said that without the really bad times, you can not experience the really good times to the fullest...I still believe that.  So, HERE'S TO THE GOOD TIMES!!!

PEACE, LOVE & JOY

Friendship

One of the most important lessons in life, and frequently one of the most difficult to learn, is what constitutes a REAL friend.

My little granddaughter is struggling with that right now.  She has recently transferred into a new school where she is not acquainted with any of the girls.  Unfortunately, she is having trouble finding one who could be a real friend for her.  When we ask her why she very honestly answers, that most of them are "mean."  She confesses that they gossip and talk about others and she really doesn't like any of that.

Ash is a very tender child, and yet very mature in her thinking.  She knows that real friendship involves people of like values and doesn't involve gossip and mean spirited teasing of others.  I am proud of her for that.

It is interesting that a lot of adults haven't learned that lesson yet.  Do you have a least ONE real friend? One person who you would trust with your most intimate feelings, even with your life?  Many people never do have someone like that.  So many have superficial "friendships."  Oh, I am not saying those kinds of relationships are entirely useless, but everyone needs to find a real friend, and learn how to be a real friend.

I have been abundantly blessed throughout my life with people who are good, kind and spiritually connected.  They have had a sense of values and sincere hearts.  But, in order to have good friends, you must also BE a good friend.  Sometimes that is difficult.  You have to be willing to listen when it isn't always convenient or comfortable for you.   You have to be willing to listen and not judge...sometimes a difficult task.  You have to be willing to give advice ONLY if ASKED!  Being there for someone else isn't always easy.  Are you willing to give more than you receive? 

Being a good friend is kind of like being a good marriage partner.  You have to be willing to give 100% not just 50 or 75.  Sometimes our friends move on and although we are miles and miles apart, we still feel that strong connection.  Sometimes they live right next door or across town.  Once you have shared a special friendship with someone, it never dies. 

Choose carefully when you are forming friendships for giving your heart so completely can be very dangerous if given to the wrong person.  Take your time...there is no rush.  All good relationships take time.   But, do reach out.  Don't fail to form these close ties in your life, they are essential for growth and maturity.  Teach your children to choose wisely also.  They will be watching you.

Tomorrow I am meeting a friend I have known for over twenty years.  We have shared good and bad times, tears and laughter, and will share more over the next five days as we cruise the seas.  I am so excited to spend time with my friend.  I am excited to share what has happened in her life in the past months, and I will share mine with her.  We will cry together and laugh together and grow even closer. 

I wish for you this kind of friendship.  If you have a friend, call them now.  Tell them you love them.  Arrange to talk with them frequently and spend time when you can.  Let them know you will ALWAYS BE THERE.  Thank God for friends.