The Importance of Friendship and Kindness
Yesterday I was feeling out of sorts. Blah. Not physically sick but emotionally restless. I try exercising and that didn’t fix it. I eat healthy food all day to no avail. Typically I wake up each morning in a happy state ready to tackle the day with lots of focused energy. But on this day, I am wandering around aimlessly trying to pin point what is bothering me.
Have you had one of those days where you are on the verge of weeping? Well, that is today. I feel like I am ready to have a good cry, yet I can’t understand why.
Maybe I am missing all the wonderful activity from the holidays-where the house was filled with my children, their friends and laughter. Maybe I am just overtired…
That afternoon I get a call from my friend, Janie, who wants to spontaneously meet at Whitfill Nursery as she needs flowers for her garden. I LOVE Whitfill Nursery and enjoying a sunny day surrounded by plants, flowers and a dear friend sounds like a good remedy.
Spending time with my dear friend fills my soul. As she loads her cart with bedding plants, I take some of these photos. Nothing like the simplicity and beauty of nature to help reset your compass.
I believe that situations and people cross your path when you need it most. We went into the Garden Shop at Whitfill, which is filled with wonderful, unique items. Here I find a framed picture of Maya Angelou‘s words of wisdom~ jumping out at me.
Janie had no idea that asking me to join her in flower shopping would make me feel better. The warm greetings and conversation from both Janis and Patti at Whitfill help ease my weepiness. Being around the friends, flowers and sunshine is my soul food.
We have a saying at our house, which is “in order to have good friends you need to be a good friend”. I feel so blessed to have dear friends who enter my life at the most random times, but always when needed. At the end of the day, companionship and great conversation is my medicine. This is balm for my soul.
We never really know how someone is feeling, be it a friend or a stranger. Often a kind word or a joyful smile will make someone’s day. In a world where being hurtful, critical or down right mean, seems to be the norm, let’s not follow suit. It doesn’t cost anything to be pleasant and your words or gestures may positively impact someone.
Please do something nice for someone today. You never know how it may lift their spirits. As Maya Angelou says, even when you have pains, you don’t need to be one. I completely agree.
Happy Tuesday to you. Sending big hugs your way.
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Qué reconfortante esta página, gracias por compartirla. Saludos desde Cuba. Feliz día de San Valentín y la amistad
I love this post, Mary. We definitely need our friends and more kindness in the world. So thankful for our growing friendship.
Thank you for the wonderful post, as a reminder of what is important. I think, this also includes our animal friends, who are always there when we need them.
Such a beautiful post, my friend. We definitely need much more kindness in the world. Hugs and blessings to you.
Absolutely true! I love this post – thanks so much for the reminder and the beauty, my friend! ♥
Barbara, thank you so much for your comment. So glad that blogging brought us together as I so appreciate our friendship.
You sent this on a perfect day for me. Like you, I like to wake up and do my little chores, exercise and get a jump into my day with a positive attitude. Today, was not that day. Thank you for sending this at the right time. I needed to hear this. 😉
Cindy, I hope your day is filled with love, joy and really good friends. We all have days like this….
What a great post Mary. It’s true sometimes you need the company of a good friend! xo
Stacy, thank you. Yes, you are right. Having good friends is often the best tonic.
I love this post. We all feel like you did that day once in a while. I’m happy you had a friend to help you through it. We don’t know what other people are going through. I used to get so aggravated with bad drivers until I was going through my cancer threatment (20 years ago). They say cancer is a great teacher and it taught me to be kinder and more patient with people. Especially bad drivers! Thank you for reminding us of what is important in life. Your friends are blessed to have you, too.
Ellen, you are right about cancer as it is scary, challenging and makes you look at life very differently. I am so glad that was 20 years ago for you. Thank you for sharing your story.
Love this honest post — at some point every January, I seem to go through similar feelings. But your photos bring such joy. Reminds me I have an old bird bath which I’ve been wanting to transform with planted succulants … but keep putting off. Think a visit to Whitfill is in the cards.
This is an amazing and encouraging story! I am so happy your friend decided to call you up. We all feel “off” at times and it is always nice when you can find refreshment.
Friendship is such a lovely relationship! I love the quote by Maya Angelou also because it’s so true!
I am happy for you and I am happy to know that you were feeling better afterwards. May your friends continue to be there for you and you, them!
Thank you so much for sharing!
Gabie,
You feel like such a friend to me, too! I am so glad we have connected electronically. Each time I try a new tea I think of you! Blogging has created such wonderful connections in my life that I am most grateful.
Aw! Thank you! Likewise and yes, blogging is neat like that. Thanks for your kind words. 🙂
Thank you for sharing this. Those words resonate with me each day. The world is a good place because of you.
🙂
Such a wonderful post! Thank you for being brave enough to share it. LOVE that M.A. quote!
Very true Mary!
Such a beautiful post Mary! A great way to start my day ❤️