Friendship

Recently I've been reflective on the different female friendships in my life. I'm hoping everyone who is reading this post has that one person that no matter how much time passes, can interact as if they just saw each other yesterday. I have a couple of those. One friend I'll give the initials JJ (and not to be confused with another friend with similar initials who I'll refer to in a moment). Anyway, I've known JJ since junior high and now I'm... well let's just say old enough to be a grandmother even though currently I'm not yet and she is. So, JJ and I can talk to each other about anything and everything. We had a very long separation due to life circumstances but once we found each other on social media, all was forgiven. We have our challenging jr/sr high school years that has partly bonded us. But, there are also specific experiences that have bonded us during the adult years.

I also have a newer friendship with a woman with the initials JJS. We have somewhat different life situations but have amazingly been able to find ways to support each other, find the right words to share part of our stories, exchange creative work. We have also found similar interests in books and other components of life. What is wonderful about the friendship is that we have only spent a tiny amount of time in each other's real physical presence but through social media platforms have developed an awareness of each other's needs. While there is no way we can know for sure what to expect in the long term, I anticipate more personal growth for both of us as a result of this connection.

This year has been one of other, multiple, new friends as well on social media. I am amazed how one connection on social media has led to another. Let's just say I love what technology and social media platforms have brought into my life. Each person I've met through the live broadcasting has a unique life story or gift to share and provides an opportunity for being part of something greater than myself. I live in a rural, smaller populated area and so this has been a good year for expanding my interactions with others. There are just too many stories to share in one writing

Another reason I've been reflective on friendship is that I have a couple other friends who during this past summer have experienced some challenging life experiences. Many times I don't know exactly what I can say or do to help other than tell them I am here for them. I believe that empathy is an essential component to friendship. Empathy is sometimes confused with sympathy. Sympathy can be defined as a natural kindness for someone experiencing something unpleasant. Empathy, however, is understanding how someone feels more because you can imagine yourself being that person. Circumstances of the other's experience may be different, but the emotions, the life decisions involved are similar enough that there is a greater awareness and knowing. I would also describe empathy as something I feel at a deeper, spiritual level.

I am writing this post today because I sometimes wonder if we as women tell each other often enough how much we appreciate who they are. I believe that for the most part, women are nurturers who need nurtured by other women. I also believe that personal life coaching is essential because a good life coaching relationship champions who you are, makes the space for your growth, and in some cases is a critical component in the decision making process. And, I have been very fortunate in my co-active life coaching relationship with someone who has modeled these characteristics well. Yes, we women are all different in some respects, but for the most part I think we are more alike than different in regards to needing each other.

We are meant to honor each other's journey, give each other a hug as often as possible, and even verbally say, "I love you for who you are, not just for what you do."