How wonderful it is to have friends and challenges in one's life - it certainly enriches one's growth. But friends who are challenges are not much fun. Friendship should be fun and enjoyable and enriching - but exactly how hard should one work?
The bit that is difficult is that, no doubt about it, the part you dislike about a friend is the mirror image of what you do not like about yourself. Gosh, how I hate that! It would be so much simpler and far easier to merely state that so-and-so is really awful, isn't she - and in the process get someone else to agree and collude in the illusion that it is nothing to do with me! Hah! Illusions - that which makes the world go round and almost makes it all seem real.
So what to do about the challenges? The easy option is to blame the other one for being royally stupid, nasty, vain......whatever. But of course, that is not the challenge - in fact, it is so easy to do.
The other option is to look in the mirror.
Excuse me while I take a look............
OK - not a pretty sight. Today I accept that there is a teensy weensy very itty bitty tiny minute microscopic part of me that is judgemental instead of discerning, demanding rather than assertive, and school-marm-ish in place of understanding and compassion.
I forgive myself.
And will attempt to remember this when next I interact with other people. And not only remember, but attempt to put into practice the beautiful and loving side of me which is immensely huge.
I hope that you will help to keep me honest and authentic.
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