I had a well-defined topic in mind for today’s blog. That changed earlier in the week after a client tearfully shared with me her sadness in having no close friends in her life.
They say that if, over the course of an entire lifetime, a person experiences just one good friendship then that person has led a blessed life.
I’m not sure who “they” are. In fact I have often wondered who “they” are as they are frequently credited with all kinds of things, In this particular instance I absolutely agree with “them”.
Over the course of my life I have been blessed with many wonderful friendships – perhaps far more than I deserve – but there is one particular friend I would like to tell you about today.
We have now been friends for close on 20 years and almost immediately after our initial meeting I began counting my blessings.
Oscar Wilde famously said that “True friends stab you in the front” and my friend has exemplified this exceptionally rare level of honesty throughout the course of our relationship.
A true friend will be there for you, regardless.
A true friend does not place conditions on the friendship.
A true friend always has an available ear.
A true friend always has a kind word of encouragement.
A true friend lends you their belief in you when you have lost your own.
A true friend gently lifts you up after you have hit bottom.
A true friend is your biggest fan.
A true friend is your most honest critic.
A true friend enthusiastically celebrates your victories.
A true friend gently wipes away the scars from your defeats.
A true friend gives freely and asks for nothing in return.
A true friend listens without criticizing.
A true friend points out the flaws in your dreams without pointing out the flaws in you.
A true friend never says “told you so.”
A true friend is the best teacher you will ever have.
A true friend teaches by being and by doing.
This list is the result of having had this special friend in my life for so any years and it is my fervent hope that by some magical form of osmosis I have acquired some of these traits and that in some small way I have delivered a smidgeon of reciprocity.
My life has been enriched by having this friend in my life and I consider myself extremely fortunate to have been given the extraordinary gift of this elusive level of friendship.
In case you haven’t guessed, this wonderful friend is also my beautiful wife, Gimalle and my gratitude for having her in my life knows no bounds.
Gimalle is my strongest supporter and harshest critic. She listens patiently to my never-ending stream of brilliant ideas and then, without judgement, asks the tough questions that force me to shift them from fantasy to possibility.
Over the years I have learned to rely on her judgement, act on her suggestions and lean on her strength.
Gimalle, I lack the vocabulary to profoundly express the deep gratitude I feel for having your friendship and I pray that I can become a fraction of the friend to you that you have been to me.
Thank you.
L.U.T.M.
Till we read again.
My book Life Sinks or Soars – the Choice is Yours now has its very own website. Please visit us at www.lifesinksorsoars.com and let me know what you think.
P.S. My company, Strategic Pathways, recently introduced our newest Personal Coaching experience called Boot Camp for Your Brain. Please click here and take a peek at our Ebrochure
– I have recently completed a series of radio interviews. If you would like to listen to them, here is a link.
I would love to hear your thoughts, ideas or suggestions once you have listened to the interviews. Please contact me at rael@raelkalley.com and share your thoughts.
– Robert French – an accomplished author – recently posted a flattering review of my book, Life Sinks or Soars, the Choice is Yours. Please click here and take a moment to read it.
– Here is another review of my book by Actionable Books.
