Month: July 2020

Friends are special individuals who meander into our life and bring orange sprinkles with their presence. They fulfill our personal needs, lend helping hands, share our burdens, and make us laugh! They come equipped with backpacks filled with fairy dust, gold bullion, and confetti! They encourage us to do what we can; and insist that we do what we must! They make us smile, laugh, and move forward! Some friends stay for a season, others for a lifetime! The “friend formula” can be baffling for kids and adults alike! I recall an after-recess conversation with 3 first graders, the kids were visiting my office to discuss a dilemma that had surfaced during playtime. Among the 3 kids, were 2 pairs of friends. The 6-year old minds could not conceive the possibility of 3 friends playing together. The sort-after “best” friend started telling the story. He described a situation where each of the other kids wanted to be his friend. He shared that he had played with 1 friend on the previous day and had decided to play with the other friend on the present day. In his mind, he felt that he had solved the problem! On this day, his plan had not run smoothly; yesterday’s playmate was not happy! I used my creative skills to spend a tale of 3 friends playing together in harmony. I talked about the games they could play together and how each one could teach the other one something new. Everybody has special talents that should be shared! After several nods of affirmation from the kids, I smiled, thinking that I had sealed the deal on a friendship among the triplets. The storyteller added a dramatic conclusion to my tale. In a sincere humble voice, he verbalized his inner thoughts….”If I have to play with both of them at the same time, I will throw-up.” Lost for words, I decided it best to continue the conversation on the following day, after recess. Today, I was reminded of the incident with the kids and decided to take a 1-minute challenge. In 1-minute, I listed adjectives to describe qualities I expect in a friend. My list included the following words: funny, loyal, respectful, trustworthy, honest, dependable, supportive, daring, creative, decisive, compassionate, and determined. I didn’t dare to connect the adjectives to my circle of friends; I understand that they share with me their best attributes; their attributes help me to be my best Me! Whether you have 1 or 10, cherish your friends! Orange Sprinkles!!!

I know that it has been several weeks, maybe even a month since I last posted. While I am not a person who leans toward excuses, most of us must admit that the last 3 months have not been typical. Our lives have been flipped upside down, and what has been the norm just is not the norm anymore! All of us have been impacted by Covid19 in one fashion or another; now we are faced with the reality of moving forward, adjusting, adapting, and accepting what will become the “new” norm. While many things have shifted, we cannot overlook the special people in our lives and the little things that bring us joy and peace.

I have a friend and colleague who sends me the perfect text for the precise moment. She’s recommended books and videos. She even recommended the ideal song for my mom’s homegoing! She’s always right on target! She is a wonderful kind-hearted person who shares genuine compliments like free-flowing water! It’s like she has a superpower! Recently, she recommended a YouTube video that emphasized showing gratitude by telling others how they have positively influenced your life. In the video, the host recommended writing a letter to those who have made a positive impression on your life.

Today, I am writing a “thank you” blog to my family, friends, and colleagues who have positively influenced my life. Thank you for the support that you have shown me. Thank you for the kind words that you have shared. Thanks for being a pillar when the walls were crumbling. Thanks for making me laugh when tears were near. Thanks for sharing your stories. Thanks for the perfect text message. Thanks for listening to my chatter. Thanks for being my cheerleader. Thanks for helping me grow! Thanks for helping me accomplish things that I could not have accomplished without YOU! Thanks for BEING YOU!

As we move forward, in search of our “NEW” NORM, do not forget to say THANKS!