I have thoroughly enjoyed a glorious flurry of color, friendship and joy over the last few days. There is just nothing in the world like a close and dear friend, especially in the springtime. Each outing feels like a celebration or a party, even if we’re just going to pick up dog food from the store! I’m overflowing with gratitude. Here are a few friendship quotes that have recently come across my path. I thought you might enjoy them too.
“One good friend is sometimes worth one hundred therapy sessions.” ~ Sam Vaknin
A friend is someone who sees through you and still enjoys the view. ~Wilma Askinas
The language of Friendship is not words, but meanings. It is an intelligence above language. ~ Henry David Thoreau
Pete Walker, The Tao of Fully Feeling: Harvesting Forgiveness out of Blame:
“Considerable healing can happen when we have at least one friend or ally who consistently encourages our verbal self-expression, and easily notices and points out what is good and special about us.”
“In the early stages of recovery [from CPTSD/CPTSR], survivors sometimes need a great deal of modeling and nurturing from others to regerminate the seed of self-compassion and keep it growing and developing. Some survivors are lucky enough to get this from authentically loving friends and allies. Those who are not so fortunate may need to work with a heart-centered psychotherapist.”
With love,
Happy D!
So true, Debbie… The value of a true friend is indeed beyond words or measure… I was just on the phone with one (Hiram) who has just undergone the heart-tugging process of retiring his seeing-eye dog (Mr. Farnsworth) and getting a new one (a Golden Labrador named Easton). Having been through a significant “transition” with a dog myself (as you know) less than a year ago, I felt humbly grateful to just “be there for him” as he described what he has recently been through. I listened with my soul as best as I was able and simply encouraged him to “be present” with whatever feelings arise, as he continues moving forward into (his words) “the next chapter” of his life. I’m thankful for having come to understand that the challenges of any significant transition of the heart can very often be lessened and made smoother, even buoyant to the point of laughter amidst the tears, when a friend simply lends an ear, heart and soul. I was gladdened reading this post, Debbie… for many reasons, not the least of which is knowing you, too, are enjoying more & more of the sacredness of friendship in your life. (It’s “connection” squared!) Amen & amen! 🙂
Connection Squared… Amen Brother!!! Thank you for sharing, and please send good thoughts to Hiram from me.
Will do, Debbie. 🙂