Many people are self-reliant and able to take care of their needs. As we become adults, and for some even younger, we learn how to take care of ourselves, find a job, budget, pay bills, solve problems, and manage crises. It’s great and important to be independent, take care of yourself, meet your own needs, and work through your troubling thoughts and emotions. However, the world can sometimes feel like a harsh place to navigate on your own.
Hence, the importance of having at least one or two amazing friends in your life that you can share your burdens with, laugh with, connect with, support each other, and feel loved exactly as you are!
What should you expect from a trusted friend? They shouldn’t want anything from you other than spending time together and supporting each other by listening when they need an ear. Usually, you find friends through mutual interests and values. You should feel comfortable and at ease around your friends. You should be able to be your authentic self. They should never judge or criticize you.
Friendship isn’t always perfect and there will be times when you argue or get frustrated with each other. This is healthy. If you can work through your struggles, your friendship will be stronger and you will respect each other even more. A good friend should challenge you and call you out when you’re not making good decisions. They should be able to tell you the things that, although are hard to hear, are actually in your best interests.
They should, however, never take away your choice and force or persuade you to do something that isn’t right for you. Ultimately, you know yourself best, and even if you choose to make a decision that is actually not in your best interest, you get to make that decision because it’s your life. This is your journey, and sometimes we need to learn the hard lesson before we can make true change to move forward in our growth. We need to find our own self-awareness, so we can uncover the learning and meaning in the lesson, and no longer choose something that isn’t right for us.
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In this instance, a true friend will stand by your side and support you when you fall down, get hurt, and let you emotionally download to them how you fucked up. They should never say I told you so. They should provide comfort and support, help you pick up the pieces, and cheer you on to strive to be better.
Friendships are not only for when you are struggling. Your friends should be there to cheer on your accomplishments, be proud of the things that you feel proud of, praise you to other people, and be truly happy for you when you are thriving and shining your light out to the world.
I’ve been fortunate to have some truly amazing lifelong friendships. The ability to know that when I’m struggling, or need some insight into what I’m experiencing, I can call or text my friends and they will be there supporting me and helping me in any way they can.
Life can surprise you, you can find friendships where you least expect them. Let your guard down, be raw, real, and open, and people will show themselves to you. You think you know someone, and then a part of them is revealed that is in alignment with who you are and what you are seeking in a friendship. This happened to me this evening, and I feel truly blessed for the experience. Our ability to both be open has created a deeper friendship. I know they will tell me what I need to hear, care about my well-being, and have my back. I couldn’t ask for anything more.
I hope you are as fortunate as I am to have amazing friends in your life. If you don’t, there is always time to make deep, loving, enduring, and supportive friendships. Open yourself up to meeting people, and let yourself be vulnerable in order to truly connect in a meaningful way. There is nothing more rewarding and loving than to know you have someone who gets you, knows your dreams and desires, and loves you unconditionally.
Find out more about being authentically you in the multi-award-winning book Embodied: How to Connect to Your Body, Ignite Your Intuition, and Harness Universal Energy for Healing.
With Blessings,
Vicky xo
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