A friend had this graphic on her blog this morning, as a lead into a post about depression.
Robin Williams
I never knew RW, I may have seen him in one movie.
The picture holds a powerful message and food for thought.
Which kind of friend are you? Are you available to listen?
REALLY LISTEN.
Unplug your ears and switch off all modern devices to actually hear what your friend is saying, meaning and NEEDING?
Think on, my friend.
You are not out of this world yet, and long runs the fox (depression), but one day it might catch up with you.
I hope, if it does, you will still have friends around to…
LISTEN.
And the best support of all comes from those who walk that difficult walk from time to time.
More times than not offering silence and a loving heart are all that is needed.
XO
WWW
WWW, I agree with you. Listening with an open heart is as important as open ears!
I’d rather be alone than surrounded by people who aren’t really there.
Me too.
I am blessed.
Ramana, you say you are blessed. Is that because you have a wide circle of people who listen to you, or that you consider yourself to be a good listener?
When I had a stroke, my co-worker who organized the cards and gifts for the office told me she had no idea until then how many people counted me as a friend. I never participated in office parties or outings, unless forced to do so by my boss.
Instead, I spent time with individuals from the folks who worked on my publications, press people I shared classes with, folks I knew before I joined my organization and the cleaning and cafeteria staff, to various “sick” and lonely individuals, three of whom died, before I retired. When I retired, a fellow co-worker (an immigrant from Burundi) came up and gave me a big hug. He said many kind things about me indicating I was a very special person, and the nicest American he had met since moving here.
I am an introvert and would rather spend hours reading alone. But when I make a friend, I build my relationships one at a time, generally with like-minded people with similar interests.
My husband, on the other hand, is an extrovert and never met a stranger.
I spend in-depth time with a friend. I don’t do parties, nor social gatherings of any kind. Different strokes for different folks.
Dianne, I think we are all drawn to like-minded people with similar interests. I am happy in my skin, whether alone or in a room full of people. I focus on the person I am talking to, and if the situation calls for deeper conversation, I will give the person the time.
Everyone has a story and I love learn about them.
Both.
Good!