05 November 2009

Friendships



I had wanted to post something this morning that I had seen on a friend's site recently - something moving and quite inspiring, in my opinion. However, I will save that for another day.

You see, while on her site, looking for the wise words she had posted, I came across another wise woman that she had linked to, and on her site, found the following. As I feel I am in a time of change for me, of great growth, and amazing discovery, this writing speaks to me. It gives me comfort in a time when I feel like there is a shift happening with some of my friendships. A shift that has caused some pain, some tears, and a lot of questioning of my own growth. Sadly, while my growth has brought such joy and excitement to me, it has also caused some around me to have feelings of anger and to feel hurt or abandoned. Of course that makes me sad, but I also know that my growth - the changes that I am making, the things that I am learning, the wings that I am spreading - that is about ME, no one else. I know that we each have our own path, and not all of our paths are going to follow the same road, at the same speed. Thus, there really is no way that we are all going to spend the entire journey together. Our roads will part, and yet, some may meet up again one day. And what I need is to live my journey as richly and fully as I can. I do value the friendships that I have with me along the way, and I am so grateful for the friendships that I have held dear for many years. I am also excited about new friendships - the ones that give me such inspiration to fly.



A Reason, a Season, or a Lifetime

People come into your life for a reason, a season, or
a lifetime. When you figure out which one it is, you
will know what to do for each person.

When someone is in your life for a REASON . . . It is
usually to meet a need you have expressed. They have
come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you
with guidance and support, to aid you physically,
emotionally, or spiritually. They may seem like a
godsend, and they are! They are there for the reason
you need them to be.

Then, without any wrong doing on your part, or at an
inconvenient time, this person will say or do something
to bring the relationship to an end.

Sometimes they die.
Sometimes they walk away.
Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand.

What we must realise is that our need has been met, our
desire fulfilled, their work is done. The prayer you
sent up has been answered. And now it is time to move on.

When people come into your life for a SEASON . . .
Because your turn has come to share, grow, or learn.
They bring you an experience of peace, or make you laugh.
They may teach you something you have never done.
They usually give you an unbelievable amount
of joy. Believe it! It is real! But, only for a season.

LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons; things
you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional
foundation. Your job is to accept the lesson, love the
person, and put what you have learned to use in all
other relationships and areas of your life. It is said
that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant.

Author Unknown

26 comments:

Melaine Thompson said...

Amen!!!!

Barbara said...

I got that same poem in an email this morning...People come and go in one's life and this is a very wise way to look at why.
You are a very special person.
Barbara
P.S. I happy our paths have crossed. :-)

Debi Ward Kennedy said...

Kim, I've been where you are. I've had the same mixture of joy and sadness as the changes unfold in my friendships... sometimes by my choice, sometimes not. It can be very painful.

I can tell you with all certainty that you,my dear, will never be friend-less. New friends will replace the old, reciprocal relationships will fulfill you and joyously help you to lift your wings and soar into the new life that you are building.

And each one brings a lesson, as this poem beautifully expresses. Thank you so much for sharing it - and for sharing your wonderful self with all of us who pass through your charmed life!

MiaNostalgia said...

Very wise word! Friendships are not always easy but it is always good to have friends.

Drawn to The Sea said...

Oh, Miss Mimi... you've given me so much to think about today. Truth in every word. I find myself wondering why people wander in & out of my life... the lesson (or my need) sometimes isn't apparent (not to me anyway) until much, much later.

Wishing you a day of sweet kisses, from precious little men.

~Julia

Ange said...

Spread your wings Mimi! We are here to evolve and those 'lifetime' friends will be evolving with you forever...

Go confidently in the direction of your dreams! Live the life you've imagined. As you simplify your life, the laws of the universe will be simpler; Solitude will not be solitude, Poverty will not be poverty, nor weakness weakness. Heny David Thoreau
Love and as we say in French COURAGE!

The Friend (for life I hope!)

Free Art Printables said...

I love that poem. It's amazing to see how our lives turn and the people that me into them. I think growth is never easy, but in the end it's worth it. because even though you are the mom sometimes it is and needs to be about you.

Cathi said...

I always love reading that poem, so very true! thank you so much for posting this today. We've all been and are continually going thru this as this is our journey. " To thine own self be true"

Jboo said...

Thanks for sharing that -- so very true!

Janet

a.love said...

Holla!
(Amen was already used :)

Junebug Furniture and Design said...

Hi Kim! So Very True! I've experenced many lessons in my life...and yes, growth can be painful, difficult and exciting all at the same time. During these seasons of loss I have learned how to love myself and forced to become a woman of my own. Blessings, Glad & Cel/Junebug

Kasey said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Anonymous said...

I have always felt that in life you have a handful of friends that love you for you, as you change as you grow, and you always know who that handful is...keep growing and learning and experiencing, it is what you need at the moment...thank you for sharing your heart. you are beautiful.

Kasey said...

my comment was missing half of the content...
so i will start over;-)
friends come and go...
it's the truth.
The real friends will love you..pull you up...be thoughtful...
and be there.
you have to do what is best for you and yes....
there is nothing better than bouncing across france with a bottle of wine between us...
xo

Unknown said...

How motivational!

It's hard sometimes to have a good attitude about change--you are inspiring : )

Lori said...

A very heartfelt post Kim ~ I am so sad that you are going through this. But remember that in order to grow sometimes you do grow in different directions. I have some friendships that I have had since childhood ~ that I cherish but you know what, we really do not have much in common anymore besides the past. We do get together though, catch up on each others lives and head out in different directions. Spread your wings and fly, and grow and always save room in your heart for me please. xo

Debra said...

K~ Thank-you darlin' for this post and for the the quick response that I needed. You are a very special and dear woman. You are discovering something that has taken me years. It's difficult to feel the change, but sometimes we just need to allow ourselves to be drawn by the gentle nudge. You are a gift.

Barn House said...

I hope you are not breaking up with us just yet! ;o)

Seriously, this post is very close to my heart. It's kind of the space I have been in lately...figuring out what is best to just let go of in a peaceful way. And I have to say letting go has made room for a lot of peace and productivity. Hope to speak to you soon about your journey.

Much love,

Jer-

Joyce said...

A very beautiful and well written piece. Thanks for sharing. xo

MODERN Prairie Girl said...

That's one of my faves...thanks for including it in your post.

It is a privilege to watch you grow, my friend (as I sit here experiencing some of the same changes), and I can tell you that what I've heard from women entering their 40's (yes, I've been shamelessly polling these females!) is that you start to GET IT...what really makes your heart sing and feel safe and inspired. When you're ready for this type of relationship I believe God plants these people smack dab in the middle of your walk-way (or in our case, your Barn House sale). You can't help but draw the right people in when you know what you're looking for.

So lovely to know you.
Let me know about Saturday
oxox
L

paige said...

the barn house boys comment is too cute!
anyway...
i think this is a beautiful post that is so true. it can be very painful to be on either side when a friendship does end or atleast change in form.
i'm an old soul who doesn't love change. however some days it can be hard for me to accept then other days i'm courageous, excited, intrigued and look forward to the adventure.
i have both needed to close a friendship & i have been the recipient when the friendship was closed on me.
wow...that surely was clear as mud.

your writing is lovely
& i have a crush on your blue chippy cabinet
xo

MarjF said...

I, too, have received this wonderful piece and agree with its premise. I would hope that the group of friends I found 10 years ago would remain intact, but life is a fluid journey and some may move on. I agree with Lori's thoughts and hope these are friendships that will last thru time...

karey m. said...

sometimes...friends like you to stay exactly as you've always been.

that way, they don't have to change a thing.

i always vote for change. change is daring, to me. change is life.

{it also helps that i like your changes. xoxo.}

Jackie said...

Beautiful post, beautiful poem and such true words! People change, life changes and we have friendships that can endure that and some that can't...and then sometimes we meet new and lovely people who inspire us and new friendships bloom!!

NicNacManiac said...

WOW....I can relate to so much of this wonderful piece!! Thank you for sharing this with us...it has touched deeply!! Friendship...WOW!

One Woman's Thoughts said...

Your post came from someplace within you, a tender place, having experienced loss, trying to understand the whys and hows of it all. I too, believe that as we go through life, this happens for reason. People, things, experiences are all a natural part of the universe. I have the same feelings. And yet with a sense of loss, comes self growth and confidence. Celebrate what is the result of this growth . . compassion, nurturing, acceptence and understanding of yourself and others. I have enjoyed your photos very much and your positive attitude. I'll be coming back again.

Katharina