Friends You Can Count On

Dear Reader,

What does it mean to have friends you can count on? I recently spoke with an old friend. We hadn’t talked in a while, but it didn’t matter. We caught up on the big stuff, commiserated about the difficult stuff, and laughed about other things. The best part was that no matter what I might say, she is always there with compassion, understanding and insight.

Another recent conversation turned to old friends who are no longer with us. They leave a big gap. The older I get, the more I appreciate those who’ve known me for a long time. Their perspective on who I am—the patterns in my life, the ups and downs—helps me to see myself more clearly.

Maybe you shouldn’t tell anyone about this, but in my own head, I talk with those who are gone. The friendships were deep enough and broad enough, that I have a pretty good idea of what they’d say to me now. And it’s always encouraging.

One of those friends, had some really great sayings. They pop into my head, often at just the right time. Maybe they’re good for you, too.

“I’m on your side.”

“Do it while you can.”

“Have all the fun you can.”

“Allow and accept.”

“Life might just be a big cosmic joke.”

Another favorite saying is one that I learned in a yoga class. Apparently, it’s a translation of an inscription on a rock, somewhere in India.

“Lift your heart, open to grace.”