Keith JonesMarch 9, 2016

I have the best friends in the entire world. I am certain of it. When life is going well, it’s great to have someone to talk to, laugh with and share your dreams. However, when things aren’t going well, how do your friends show up? My closest friends give me unconditional love, support, compassion, empathy and kindness. These core ingredients that make up our friendships make them amazing. 

The love my friends and I have for each other is unconditional. We don’t expect the other person to be perfect. And there is never a hint of making the other person wrong for a choice they made or an action they took. We simply apply love to every situation no matter what it is. John Lennon said, “Love is the answer. What was the question?” This answer is central to our bond. And the commitment of love to our friendship creates a safe place to be vulnerable and share yourself without fear of judgment. It is so comforting.

My friends and I are able to support each other in a powerful way because we are clear on what we want. We have told each other that we want to be our personal best and help others do the same. When your purpose is to support others, your friends don’t let you get distracted by things that are unimportant like judgment, gossip or celebrating someone else’s misfortune. Instead, they ask, “How can I be of service to help you be your best and fulfill your life purpose?” Oftentimes it’s an encouraging word, a supportive hug and always a game plan to move closer to your goal of being a better version of yourself than you were the day before. There is no place for enabling here. But there is an abundance of powerful support.

My friends are compassionate and empathetic at all times. They always ask how I’m doing and what I might need. Their compassion rings through by the way they listen to my reply. When I am down, I can see them picturing themselves in my shoes. There isn’t an ounce of judgment present. There is only love and empathy. They make me feel like we are in this together and will resolve the situation together.

My friends are the kindest people I know. Their words are full of encouragement, love and support. But more than that, they give their time, talents and heart to the growth of our friendship. It’s so humbling to have friends like this. Tears fill my eyes when I think of how they love me. I am incredibly blessed. I try to honor them by being the same friend to them. Surround yourself with friends who give you unconditional love, support, compassion, empathy and kindness. And be this kind of friend to them.

Stronger Together!

Keith