“I don’t need a friend who changes when I change and who nods when I nod; my shadow does that much better.”
Plutarch
The best friends are those who will tell you the truth, even when you don’t want to hear it. Do you have friends like this? Are you this type of friend for others?
“Count your age by friends, not years. Count your life by smiles, not tears.”
John Lennon
Which life is richer, one with fewer friends but more years or one with fewer years and more friends? Which life will attract more friends, one focused on smiles or tears?
“A friend is one that knows you as you are, understands where you have been, accepts what you have become, and still, gently allows you to grow.”
William Shakespeare
Friends like the ones described above are rare and precious jewels. How do you ensure that you have friends like this in you life? Focus on being this kind of friend first…
“Lots of people want to ride with you in the limo, but what you want is someone who will take the bus with you when the limo breaks down.”Oprah Winfrey
It is easy to find people that will make you a priority when it is to their benefit, but what about when you really need them to help you? Do you have a list of people that you know would answer the phone and help no matter what?
I am a person that struggles to reach out to others at times “because I don’t want to be a burden” and because I was taught growing up to be incredibly self-reliant. That doesn’t get it done when life and leadership gets tough.
You need to have people there that will support you and know that you will support them, no matter what. I am reminded of one of my favorite verses in scripture when I read this quote. “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” Hebrews 17:17 ESV Having that friend and brother (or sister) to rely upon is critical in life.
I challenge you to think about these two questions and cultivate that list of folks that you know will get on the bus with you when the limo breaks down.