I received an incredibly loving, honest letter today from an old friend. Her words empowered me in significant ways. It's been a while since I received such deep, loving, honest support, and I appreciated every word and story shared.
What made that letter different from so many other interactions I experience daily?
It had been a long time since I heard from that friend and a lot of life has happened. This friend clearly took the time to reflect on the big events of life and her loving, caring values and choices came through in this reflective letter. To simply see how a person's positive values for good living can persist through good times and not so good times is empowering.
Also, this friend is not judgemental--rather than judge life events, she embraces events with positivity and a will to do what she can to make the best of a situation. This too is empowering.
In contrast, I received a message from another old friend recently that was full of strife and struggle. This friend had little to give. Why the difference, and how do I react to this difference? I believe that the second friend, the one who is struggling, needs me to be like the first friend--it's my job to be the supportive one in this situation. The second friend needs more than she can give at this juncture due to life's challenges, challenges she did not ask for or create.
Along the road of life we play different roles. Sometimes we are the supporters and sometimes we need the support. Both roles have their value. Onward.