There were times many years ago when I thought my friends had abandoned me. I was wrong. I had only thought that they and I were friends. I hadn’t really been much of a friend to them so I shouldn’t have been surprised when they weren’t there for me either. I learned that to have better friends, I needed to consistently BE a much better friend. Now I have true friends because I became one.
I also learned that sometimes people who I didn’t consider to be friends came through for me anyway. I’d been selling them short and not appreciating them as much as I should.
I decided that much like that saying that there are two kinds of people, those who believe that nothing is a miracle and those who believe that everything is, I’d begin to believe and live my life based on the premise that nearly everyone is a friend or potential friend. My life has been far richer since I changed my view and it changed me.
Russ
Russ Towne's A Grateful Man 
This has truth written all over it. I’ve learnt the same things.
I’m blessed to have you in my life, my friend.
Russ
I feel the same my friend. 🙂
I agree 100%
Thank you, Joanne.
Russ
love to hear what you did to become a better friend.
It was a lot of little things. Spoke my truth. Got more vulnerable with them and shared more of myself, my hopes, dreams, and fears, and talked to them about theirs’. Changed my lifestyle so that I could be easily called or otherwise reached at any time of the day or night and would be available to immediately talk about 95% of the time, and for emergencies, virtually 100% of the time except the rare times when I’m flying somewhere. I made it clear with frequent reminders that I considered it a gift and high honor when they reach out to me at the times they need me rather than when it is convenient for me–even at 3amon weeknights. Then I kept my word and followed through. When one is easy to reach and always available it is easier to build trust and relationship. That approach worked with my children too. When they became teens, I learned to be available to talk when they wanted to–often between midnight and 2pm or later. It kept the lines of communication open when hormones created a lot of interference. Since I love my profession so much, I default to work but let everyone know that they are a higher priority so if they want to do something with me for fun or otherwise, almost (and if it’s an emergency the word “almost” is removed) any time of the day or night I’m able to do it, and still get do my duty to my Clients and meet my various responsibilities.
Russ
thanks — those are wise words to consider
Thank you, Bill. I just augmented my reply and turned it into a new post.
Russ
This is so true! thanks for sharing!
I’m glad it resonated for you. Thank you for taking the time to comment.
Russ
🙂
Russ
This is fabulous!
It goes right along with what I preach that I actually practice { that is some word useage, huh?! Haha:) } – but it is true and the tagline about why I write what I write.
I choose.
We must choose.
You chose. 🙂
Choose love first.
Amen!
Thank you, Heather. I appreciate that you took the time to read my post and send your kind comment.
Russ
You bet! I enjoyed it very much. 🙂
The recurring statement in my book and posts is : It’s all in the choice.
God bless!