Photo credit: D Sharon Pruitt

This week Insanely Serene joined Facebook. I felt an urge to engage on a more regular basis with serenity seekers, and I’m just not writing enough blog posts (so sorry, my dear readers)! It was such a good idea. It’s like the creativity dam broke and serenity started flowing! The page invites commentary, video, images, and conversation, all of which I took advantage of this week to express thoughts and ideas.

What I realized (once again) from the experience is how much better it is to travel the path with others. We hear new ideas, open our perspectives, learn about resources and people and books and songs and videos on that which fascinates us most. When I’m discouraged or distraught, the best possible action I can take is to reach out to a friend. Even journaling (arguably talking to another entity) does not fully purge the need to vent. So, my friends are essential. Thank you to everyone who has wandered by the Facebook page! I’m excited by the conversations and opportunities to share serenity.

In honor of friends, here are some thoughts on what makes a good one:

Generosity – Give from their heart, not out of obligation

Kindness – Love our strengths and help deal with the weaknesses

Nonjudgment – Love us exactly where we are, though don’t take any guff (see boundaries)

Humor – Help us laugh at ourselves

Ability to Listen – Know that sometimes all we need to do is vent without advice or “fixing”

Good Boundaries – Take care of themselves and let us know how they operate best in the friendship

Kick Butt – Share honestly when they think we’re heading down the wrong road

Most of all, a good friend lets us be who we are, and helps us figure it out when we’re unsure.

When it comes to making friends, whenever possible, avoid gossip, criticism, blame, judge, complaint, and unkindness.

The list could go on – add yours to the comments!

And speaking of Facebook and friendship, here’s a video a friend of mine posted of two young friends singing together and enjoying the heck out of it:

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