BE THE FRIEND YOU WANT TO HAVE

By Vernalee

FRIENDSHIP. The subject is timeless; it never grows old. So let’s examine our wish list. First things first. It is unreasonable to expect from others what you are not willing to give. That sounds hypocritical…don’t you think? So whatever attributes you desire from a friend, you should be willing to give. Agreed? Fair play? Listen up as we examine some friendship guidelines. 1. Avoid competition. 2. Avoid gossip. 3. Confront wisely. 4. Forgive. 5. Maintain friendships; treat them with care. 6. Celebrate best friends. 7. Let your friendships serve as a mirror. 8. Make changes, if needed. You are allowed. 9. Create a healthy community of friends with the reality that just because you are the nucleus that your friends may not become friends to each other. 10. Give everyone their space. 11. Explore your expectations. 12. Befriend yourself. Now I ask… Who can you confidentially talk to and get the best possible advice? Who wants you to succeed no matter what? Who will be there for you when everyone walks away? Who will be there when you are up, down or in a turnaround? Answer: A true friend. Remember this. Everyone needs someone. No one is an island. Having a true friend is valuable. True friendship doesn’t come around often. If you have one true friend, you are lucky. Two – would be a steal! When you find a true friend, keep him or her close. Don’t ask for something that you are not willing to give! Think of others; do for others. Don’t be a talker only; show that you care. Cherish being a true friend as much as having a true friend! It’s a treasure! Photo credit: www.of-the-heart.com; Source: www.crosswalk.com

SITTING ON PINS AND NEEDLES

By Vernalee

Have you ever been anxiously waiting to hear from someone to get the latest news or results? Have you been so anxious that you paced the floor walking as if there is no tomorrow? For reasons of anxiety, you simply cannot sit down! If the answer is yes, join the crowd. Many refer to this anxiousness as sitting on pins and needles. So, what does that mean? “Sitting on pins and needs” is used to describe someone who can’t sit still/rest easily, often because of anxiousness/worry/impatience. You can become highly agitated while waiting for something to happen. The expected event can be either good or bad. The phrase describes many facets of our lives. Our emotions can be all over the board. It begs to ask – How can we effectively deal with anxiety? Let’s see what the experts recommend that we do to cope. Here are some suggested steps. 1. Identify the source of your anxiety. 2. Determine if your worry is solvable. 3. Accept uncertainty. 4. Consider the use and source of your worry. 5. Focus on both the positive and the negative. 6. Avoid thinking in terms of all or nothing. 7. Don’t make it into a catastrophe. 8. Try not to jump to conclusions. 9. Don’t let your emotions control your reasoning. 10. Avoid making everything personal. The more we practice reducing our stress, the better. There are so many issues that we cannot escape or run away from; so many that we must face. Once we deal with the stress pockets, we can move on. If we don’t, we will resort back to sitting on pins and needles! Pins and needles hurt! They pierce your skin. Be comfortable. I want my buttock to be cushioned. Don’t you? No one go looking for trouble. No one wants to be purposefully hurt and feel the accompanying pain and anxiety. If you can avoid what you know will hurt, why not? Replacing anxieties with pleasurable calmness/comfort is the goal. It's a goal worthy of achieving. Photo credit: www.cl/talkleft.com; Source: www.wikihow.com

BEING THERE FOR PEOPLE YOU LOVE

Happy Valentine's Day! Today is a day to show an outpouring of love to those special ones in our lives. Many people send roses and gourmet chocolate in heart shaped boxes to commemorate the occasion. We all love to be loved! Don‘t we? It’s a warm/lovely feeling and emotion that is comforting, soothing, and gratifying. Never underestimate the power of love. It can make you do and say things that you never imagined. Can I get a witness? Recently, I heard a pastor say that “the riches in life are not found in money or possessions, but in relationships!” Perhaps to those who idolize their bank accounts, real estate holdings, and stocks/bonds, a statement of this magnitude would hit them like a ton of bricks. It is not difficult to place our emphasis in the wrong places. Listen up! Truly, it is our relationship with God foremost and our loved ones that brings us riches! Being there for people in their time of need is one of the greatest and loving gifts that you can give. Don’t ignore them when you can help them. They may not know of your resources, but God does! When you give of your time and resources, you will receive back so much more than you gave. Be blessed in your relationships! Be blessed in your life!

Give and receive love openly and warmly from your heart. You don’t have to wait until Valentine’s Day to show expressions of love. Most definitively, it’s a year around thing! Photo credit: www.patheos.com