This is a 5-part series about a few affirmations that have assisted myself and others during times of adversity and challenges. Each affirmation is inspired by an uplifting poem. Maybe you can lean on them too when facing your own obstacles in life.
Healthy Friendships Have Reciprocation
They say friendships are the relationships made up of people that you choose to hold dear. They are special in a way that is quite different from family relationships. While they can be just as imperfect as any other relationship, friendships allow people of any background to join in unity creating a network of lasting support.
Just like any other living organism, they need to be tended, nurtured and cared for. Cracks can appear and weaken the bond within a friendship where there is a lack of open and honest communication. Being a “good friend” requires you to be mindful of someone else’s feelings and emotions. It requires you to exercise empathy and understanding in order for the friendship to develop, grow and be maintained.
The sun always shines a little brighter when you have great friends around.
Keni Dobbs
photographer, videographer & blogger
What happens when you feel like you are not receiving what you need from a particular friendship? Do you communicate and try to work it out? Do you shut down and retreat within yourself? Do you throw in the towel? Do you try to remember the reasons why you developed a friendship with that person in the first place?
Sometimes, it can be hard for someone to be a good friend when they are dealing with personal matters that affect one’s mood or mental state. The things you experience in life shape and mold you constantly in ways that can be difficult to predict. Unfortunately, friendships can face potential downfall if one friend begins to feel the friendship is no longer beneficial.
Even the best of friends may face challenges but lasting friendships are sealed with mutual respect. Showing consideration for your friends helps to strengthen and secure lasting, healthy friendships. Making sure your friends feel and know you value them for being your friend aids in solidifying growing friendships.
Here are a few tips to improve your friendships:
- Check-in regularly (we’re busy, it doesn’t have to be everyday)
- Avoid selfish behavior (no one likes a “taker”)
- Enjoy the experiences that contribute to your friendship (let the fun times roll!)
Wonderful experiences forge fond memories that develop into a lifetime bond between people who deliberately chose to create their own family. The sun always shines a little brighter when you have great friends around. Be sure to show your friends how much they mean to you and never take a great friend for granted.
Please enjoy our inspiration for this affirmation!
A Friend A person who will listen and not condemn Someone on whom you can depend They will not flee when bad times are here Instead they will be there to lend an ear They will think of ways to make you smile So you can be happy for a while When times are good and happy there after They will be there to share the laughter Do not forget your friends at all For they pick you up when you fall Do not expect to just take and hold Give friendship back, it is pure gold. Gillian Jones
Leave a comment and share your experience with overcoming challenges and believing in yourself!
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Kaptured by Keni Photography 