Choosing the first topic to blog about for August was difficult. I mean, I realize there's a million other subjects that need to be addressed. I am fully aware of the many Social and Economic ills that plague our communities and I truly hope to take some time to touch on as many as I can. Elevate (the blog, the place, and the group) is all about healing and connecting. I can't speak for everybody but my desire first, above anything I share on this site, is that you (the readers) will grow. It doesn't matter how that growth manifests itself whether it's through thoughts, feelings, spoken word or any form of self expression. The goal here is build. Now, on to the Topic for this month.
Friendship
Yesterday I had a really insightful and inspiring conversation with a dear friend of mine. We discussed a slew of topics but the one that really stuck with me is when we spoke about friendship. We all have had our share of good and bad relationships in that area, right?
So how do we determine what's working and what isn't? Sometimes it takes for something tragic to happen in our lives for it to be revealed to us who is true. Sometimes it's just a gut feeling. I long for the days when friendship was simply sharing the other half of a Snickers bar and a "falling out" meant that friend couldn't sit next to you in the lunch room. When did it all get so complicated?
I found this quote in an article written by Stephen Ernst entitled Poisonous Relationships: People we hang around can kill our destiny.
He writes:
We need to remember – who we allow into our lives – will either:
- help destroy our destiny
- or inspire us to fulfill our destiny
So which type of friend are you? I am a firm believer that you teach people how to treat you. I find that if people see that you won't stand for negativity then eventually they will stop bringing it your way. I surround myself with those that not only share in my joys when I am successful but encourage me and hold me accountable when I am not doing the things that will lead me towards my destiny. I can't say that this is the formula for forming the best possible lifelong bonds but it's working for me. I challenge you to look at your relationships this month and explore what works for you. Let's elevate.
In the meantime here's a poem by Bassey Ikpi
"Sometimes Silence Is The Loudest Kind Of Noise"
QiQi this one is for you... thank you for sharing your journey with me.
artwork "Friendship"
by Gosia Gajewska
view more or purchase here
