July 24, 2007 - Daily OM
In All Kinds Of Weather
Being Happy For Friends
When we are close friends with someone, we intuitively know when they
need a hug, a helping hand, or a sympathetic ear. Likewise, when we are
going through bleak periods in our lives, we count on friends to
support us through loss, illness, and other setbacks, both big and
small. And while part of being a good friend means being there when the
other person needs us, it is just as important to be there for our
friends so we can share in their joyous celebrations and triumphs.
After all, who else would our friends want to celebrate their
promotions, graduations, marriages, and good news with than their loved
ones and good friends. Yet depending on what is happening in our lives,
it can sometimes be difficult to be there for our friends during the
good times. We can become so busy with our own lives that we forget to
make time. Or, we may be so focused on our own problems that we may not
feel like celebrating with our friends. We may even take their joyful
moments for granted, assuming that as long as we're there for our
friends during the bad times that we are doing our jobs. Yet part of
being a true friend means also being there during the good times.
Success and happiness can feel empty without someone to share them
with, and who better to join in our victory dances than our good
friends.
Taking the time from our busy lives to honor our friends' happy moments
is a wonderful way to show them that they matter. And in many ways, by
wanting you around during their happy occasions, your friends are also
honoring you. After all, it is the people we cherish that we want
around us to sing at our birthdays, visit our newborn babies, and pop
open that bottle of champagne with when we reach a milestone moment.
The next time a friend wants you to be there to celebrate with them,
remember to feel honored that they thought of asking you. Together, you
can celebrate their happiness and your rich friendship.