3 Lessons I Learned From Friendships
Restored from the Empower Network archive (2011–2017), lightly edited to meet our current advertising standards. Views are the original author’s.
Friendships bring with it a richness of experience whether it be long term, short term. It is all valuable data to help you grow and expand as a person.
Below are my three biggest lessons from friendships.
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Friends can come and go from your life and that is perfectly OK.
For the longest time, with my sentimental tendencies, I would hold on for dear life to my close friendships and would get rather sad when they ended.
When I think about all the friends that have left my life, every single one of them taught me something valuable. It ended because it was time to move on and there was nothing more to be gained from staying in each others lives.
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True friendship comes with unconditional love, loyalty and support for your best interests.
I am very fortunate to have friendships that are 20+ years and even with distance or not speaking for great lengths of time, it is always magical every time we see each other. I believe it is because we are all loyal and genuinely care that we lead happy, fulfilling lives. The funny thing is, my lifestyle (traveling crazy entrepreneur) is so vastly different to my friends, but it works because there is no judgement. Just acceptance for each others way of life.
On the flip side, there are friends that don’t stick around when challenges appear in the friendship. I have found this with more superficial friendships. At the same time I feel grateful for what it had to offer because I got to experience fun, spontaneity and open mindedness, which I do need being quite a serious, thinker at times.
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It’s important to have friends that share similar dreams, aspirations and mindset.
Going down the dream path can be mighty lonely when you have no one to share the journey with. Let’s face it, not many people are going after their dreams and when you meet others that are, it is like a breath of fresh air. Especially as it entails immense growing pains and personal development throughout the journey. It is so important to have people that ‘get it’ to bounce ideas off and get advice from. Having positive, like minded friends is an important variable in keeping you on the dream path through challenging times.
What has been your biggest learning from your friendships?
Onwards, Upwards and Forwards Dreamers,
Poh
Sometimes we outgrow friends we have had for years. It is sad but it’s Ok. We need to move on when necessary
You are absolutely right Sandy, thank you 🙂
Great lessons about friendship, Poh Lin. Thanks!
You’re so welcome Dr Steve 🙂
Well said, Poh Lin! I especially like your first point about friendship. Friends come and go and it’s okay.
Thanks so much Debra 🙂
People are in your life for a season and reason. Also just because you have a great time with a friend shopping doesn’t mean he or she is qualified to be dragged into other parts of your life. A great shopping partner might not make a great confidant. Allow the relationship to unfold how it naturally whats to and force or cramp it into your ideal of what or where it should go.
You are absolutely right Phenie! Well said and completely resonates…nothing more to add to this wisdom 🙂
Friends all come into our lives for certain reasons. There are people that will stick with you no matter what and there are people that come and go. There are lessons to be learned with all of them. Great post.
Thanks Max! You make excellent points 🙂
awesome stuff poh lin. I think its also important that you have friend who support you no matter what. they may not join you in your business but they are always there to support you.
I think the hardest thing to deal with is losing friends and not understanding why. That’s something I had to learn to deal with through my personal growth
Thanks so much for sharing Lincoln…my sense is, the reasons you will know in your heart even if you can not get answers directly from the person.