Friends Forever

Last week, I ran two motivational seminars for lower and upper sixth form students, aged between 16-18 years old at Dyatmika School in Bali.  The theme was 'Believe in Yourself.' 

As part of the seminar, I asked the students to work in pairs and talk about the 3 most important things in their life at that particular time. Out of the 70+ students, many talked aboout their family and nearly all mentioned their friends. This is not unusual for teenagers as peers are an important part of growing up. When I asked what was important about their friends, the overriding response was that they helped motivate them.

Initially, I very matter of factly thought what's the big deal about friends, when these students have more important things to do like get through their exams? Then I thought again and had to agree with them. As I discover with all of the seminars and workshops I run, there is always something for me to learn or remind myself of, no matter what age or who the audience is.

Friends can motivate us. 

They listen to and support us; they make us smile, laugh and sometimes cry - hopefully and usually through more laughter than the other way round; they advise us when we need help and they can lift us up and rekindle our spirit. Sometimes we can upset our friends or vice versa and if we are friends forever we can forgive, forget and still be there for one another.

After the unexpected and sad passing away of a mutual friend, one of my long-standing friends said to me,

“Let’s make a point of keeping in touch.”

The words have remained imprinted in my mind ever since. So often we get so caught up in the 'busyness' of life, we tell ourselves, "we'll get in touch tomorrow." What happens if it never comes? 

My friend and I now make sure we keep in contact and see each other whenever I make it to London.  Even when I gave her just one day’s notice that I was going to be in London and my friend had a big work project to finalise, she made the time to see me and buy me lunch as well! We only had an hour together so we had to talk as though we were on fast forward, but it was one of the best hours that I will always remember.  

Beach House at Life in Amed

Friends have met me at the airport when there's no time to catch up anywhere else; they have cheered me up face to face or if that's not possible by sending me a message; they have invited me to their house, whether to drop in for a coffee, have dinner or stay with them overnight and even if it's their own Beach House right on the golden sand beach and they're losing out on potential business; they have met for a coffee or lunch; they have let me reminsce by sending an old school photo sparking off a whole new conversation with old friends; and they have told me to, "keep spirit" in my pursuit to stay fit.

Coincidentally. a couple of days after the seminar, I was further reminded about the importance of friends when I was given a book called 'The Little Snowflake' from a friend who had just written it, Ron Stones. My 7 year old loved the book and straight away worked out the moral of the tale.  Similar to a snowflake, a friend may not come back soon, but will return whenever possible.
 
I like Winnie the Pooh's heartwarming comment to Piglet about friendship:-

"We'll be Friends Forever, won't we, Pooh?" asked Piglet

"Even longer," Pooh answered

A.A. Milne

Many thanks to the sixth form students for reminding me to value friends forever and even longer.


Janet 
www.nolimitsasia.com