Forever Friends

The following is an article from The Charlotte Observer dated Saturday May 3, 2003 that I just so happened to keep.

'Forever friends' are the ones you plan to keep. ~Some friendships stay viable for only a certain season in our lives~
by Lynne Hinton

"What is a 'forever friend'?" someone asked me recently when they saw the title of my new book.

I thought it was a reasonable questions, since I dedicated the book to three women, designating them as my "forever friends." Before answering, I considered what each of the three of them meant to me, the relationships I share with them, their undisputed importance in my life.

Then I gave my answer:
A "forever friend" is the one you plan to keep the rest of your life.

People come and go in and out of our lives. Many of them we call friends. Often the friendships are made because of convenience, a shared event or location. We work together, take classes together or live near each other. Our children are in the same day care. We go to the same gym.

As our lives change and the convenience factor is removed, we find that many of these friendships are no longer viable. We lose touch because we realize that once there is effort required to see each other, to sustain the friendship, we find that we really don't want to make the effort. Those friendships are important but only as long as time and location permit convenience.

There are friends who are our friends during a particular season in our lives. We were in school together or ran around together when we were younger. We played on the same sports team, studied the same major in college.

Then as the years go by, as we age and develop who we are, we find that we have less in common with those friends. The changes we have made across the years separate us. We let those friendships lapse, allowing them to become part of our history, a part of our memories.

Treasures to keep

Then there are those treasured friendships we choose to keep.

Over years and seasons, throughout changes and developments, across time and space, even amid conflict and disappointment, these friendships require attention and commitment and we gladly give it to them. We do so because, frankly, we couldn't imagine our lives without these relationships.

We have decided that these friendships are important. They matter. They count.

These are the few important persons who have passed of our tests. They have proven their loyalty because they have seen us on our worst days. They know us inside and out, cleaned up and messed up.They have heard our worst secrets, watched us fail and succeed, fall down and rise up.

They have laughed with us, cheered for us, fought for us and most of all, cried with us. They have said at the most critical moments in our lives, "It doesn't matter what happens, what you have decided to do, I will always love you."

Those are the words of a true friend, a keeper.

The "forever friend" is the one you count on to be truthful and loving, loyal and committed. They are the ones you count on in crisis and celebration. The "forever friend" is the one you will attend to, stand up for, love with unrelenting fierceness because you know that person will do exactly the same for you.

These are the chosen companions, the lifers, the ones you plan to grow old with.

These are your "forever friends."

Learn the Facts about Fibromyalgia

May 2011 Action of the Month provided by The American Pain Foundation

Learn the Facts about Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia affects an estimated six million people in the U.S. but is an invisible condition. You can’t tell someone has fibro by looking at them. Chances are that you, or someone you know, has fibromyalgia. May is Fibromyalgia Awareness month, and APF’s Action of the Month is to learn the facts and share the Is Fibro the Cause? toolkit with friends and family members.

The valuable toolkit is full of helpful tips, resources and vital information on how to recognize fibromyalgia’s signs and symptoms as well as guidance on seeking treatment. Inside is a worksheet to help track symptoms, nutrition tips to overcome fatigue, ideas for alleviating stress, and essential strategies on coping and living well. Download Is Fibro the Cause?.

Living In Harmony

Don't know where I got this but wanted to share...

When people are overwhelmed by illness, we must give them physical relief, but it is equally important to encourage the spirit through a constant show of love and compassion. It is shameful how often we fail to see that what people desperately require in human affection. Deprived of human warmth and a sense of value, other forms of treatment prove less effective. Real care of the sick does not begin with costly procedures, but with the simple gift of affection and love.

In the practice of healing, a kind heart is as valuable as medical training, because it is the source of happiness for both oneself and others. Not only do other people respond to kindness when medicine is ineffective, but cultivating a kind heart is a cause of our own good health. Similarly, inner peace can be found in prayer and meditation, but it is also profoundly important that we bring that inner peace to bear in practical ways in the generous service to others.

There is a connection here with the practice of nonviolence. Nonviolence is something more positive, more meaningful than the mere absence of violence. It means to respect the rights of others, to be concerned about their well-being, based on a sense of compassion. Today, there is a growing global awareness of what this implies, for the application of nonviolence is not restricted merely to other human beings. It also has to do with ecology, the environment and our relations with all the other living beings with whom we share the planet. Since human beings are basically gentle by nature, I feel that we should not only maintain gentle, peaceful relations with our fellow human beings, but that it is also very important to extend that same kind of attitude towards our environment and the creatures who naturally live in harmony with it.

I believe that it is essential that we extend our understanding of each others spiritual practices and prayers. This is not necessarily in order that we can adopt them ourselves, but because to do so increases our opportunities for mutual respect.

Sometimes too, we encounter something in another tradition that helps us better appreciate something in our own. Consequently, I hope that people of all faiths as well as those who do not believe in a religion will find inspiration and understanding that in some way contributes to their own inner peace. And I pray that through inner peace they too will become better human beings and help create a happier, more peaceful world.

May all who are sick and ill

Quickly be freed from their illness,

And may every disease in the world

Never occur again.

And as long as space endures,

As long as there are beings to be found,

May I continue likewise to remain

To soothe the sufferings of those who live.

~The Dalai Lama