Friends...how many of us have them?

“Life is partly what we make it, and partly what it is made by the friends we choose.” Tennessee Williams

OK, a little Whodini old school rap. Up to this point I have been a little stern about the things that are required when pursuing personal happiness. I thought I would lighten it up a bit. Everybody has friends. Old school pals, acquaintances from work, people you met at a bar or picnic. True friends are a gift, because unlike family, their kindness and loyalty is completely voluntary and heartfelt. Family bonds sometimes are made out of obligation or loyalty to “blood”, but true friends choose each other. It is very important to have at least one true friend in your life. Someone you can trust without fail, someone who will never judge you, and someone who would put your life ahead of their own. At the same time, you must strive to be this person for all the close relationships in your life. The bonds of friendship are truly the cornerstone of morality in our society. Courtesy, compassion, love, and honesty are all traits of a true friend, and they are traits that you should always seek in order to live a harmonious life. If you strive to be the best friend you can to each of your friends, your goodness and positive energy will spread exponentially. When you accept someone as your friend, you accept a responsibility to be the guardian for that person’s well-being. Imagine if you had several people trying to insure your well-being and happiness. Sounds like a good plan to me.

This blog goes out to all of my good friends. Thank you for all that you are in my life, and I hope to live up to the love and understanding that you consistently show me.