Acknowledge your friends

Friendship is one of those interesting concepts that defy any real definition. Some people claim to have 150 good friends, others may only have one good friend and for them that’s plenty. For me personally, I have 2 very very DEAR CLOSE friends. I have known them for 20+ years, they know pretty much know EVERYTHING about me & we connect on a regular basis (usually daily on email or facebook). Then, I'd say I have a handful of BEST friends...some i have known for ages, some for a few years, but the connection and closeness is there.

Then I have about 20/30 really GOOD friends (eg. friends I have been close to in the past but hardy see them nowadays) and then I have hundreds of 'friends', you know people from high school, friends from your old work...and alot of them are probably even acquaintances...do you know what I mean? Anyway, I am blessed...I truly am.

I like to think of my closest friends more as confidantes. Those people I can confide in; those who I know will have my back when things go wrong, those who pick me up when I’m down and who share the laughs when times (fortunately most times) are good. More importantly they know that support is reciprocated. That they can count on me when they need me most.

Recently, I have realised several things: never take anyone for granted, let alone those closest to you; if you are frustrated always consider that other people’s problems may be far more serious than your own frustrations and your family and friends are the most important people in the world.

It is your family and friends who offer support and who you may discover are just as important mentors as any author or well-respected business-person that may be driving your ambition.

Without support your ambition means nothing. Without support there is no one to share your successes. Without support you tread a lonely and dangerous path.

So, next time you speak to your true friends, let them know how much you appreciate them being around. It’s a few words that will mean a great deal to both of you and will ensure your friendship lasts as long as it should.

Since we are on the topic of FRIENDS...I'd like to acknowledge some of the most dearest, & loving people in my life...some of them are like sisters & I am so grateful and blessed to have them in my world...without them I am nothing.

Nicole, Patricia, Jennifer, Ranae, Ronny & Karen.
My life is so much more meaningful having you as my closest friends.
Thank you for always being there for me & thank you for being YOU.

"My best friend is the one who brings out the best in me."
- Henry Ford

And to ALL of my friends out there, I love you dearly...This is my wish for you:

Comfort on difficult days, smiles when sadness intrudes, rainbows to follow the clouds, laughter to kiss your lips, sunsets to warm your heart, hugs when spirits sag, beauty for your eyes to see, friendships to brighten your being, faith so that you can believe, confidence for when you doubt, courage to know yourself, patience to accept the truth, Love to complete your life.

My appreciation is ever-growing, Linda