Friendship

A good friend came to visit me the other evening. I regard her as a good friend as even though we’ve only known each other for a relatively short time, we have come to rely on each other for advice and support. And it’s a two way friendship. When we talk, neither side makes the conversation solely about ourselves, we listen, we empathise and we try to help in any way possible. Because that’s what a true friendship is all about, isn’t it?

We’ve each had our worries about life, relationships, work. Whether the decisions we are making are the right ones, or indeed the wrong ones. Wondering whether we’ve got it all figured out and then realising with a slow understanding that we haven’t. But do any of use have it all figured out? Or do we just live each day, see what happens and hope for the best. Can you really plan for the future, or is it predetermined? Are the choices you make in life actually choices or has your path already been decided?

I think most of us try to enjoy what we have, make the best decisions with the information we have at the time and then ride it out. Whatever happens. I believe there are no guarantees in life, and you have to do what makes you happy at that moment in time. I also believe that your outlook can make all the difference. As my mum once told me a story…..

“There are two men in a prison, they each have their own cell with a barred window. One man looks out and sees the sky with clouds and a sun, the other just sees metal bars. They are exactly the same view but just from a different perspective.”

Since the start of this year I have adopted a more positive attitude to life. And I truly believe it’s having an impact. I feel happier, I wake up each morning with a purpose and if something doesn’t go my way I try to accept and move on. After all we can’t always have what we want when we want it. It’s taken me a long time to realise this fact and once I did, I stopped trying to force life and just go with it. It’s hard but totally worth it.

So back to my friend. She has a lot on her plate at the moment and some difficult choices to make. I can give her advice, but ultimately she has to make these decisions herself. The best thing I can do as a friend, is be there and support her in any way she needs. Because that’s what friends do.