Inspiration for living a luxuriously and balanced life

Saturday, August 7, 2010

Friends & Friendships A true Blessing

Today, in this ever evolving world – the one thing that has remained constant is change. The way we make friends and develop friendships has also changed. The demands of everyday life leave little time to nurture existing friendships, let alone develop new friends.




Thankfully the same technology that has aided in the creation of these demands has also provided us with the tools to maintain existing friendships and make new friends virtually.

Not only has technology enabled people with demanding careers and lives to remain connected with friends and family, it has also opened doors for persons who are not able to get out and meet people due to illness, injury, aging or social issues – develop virtual friends and friendships.







Over the past few months I have discovered first hand just how much impact people whom I have never met can have on me. Their words of understanding (sharing their own ups and downs), encouragement and support although virtual and from strangers, have the same power, as if they were being spoken by a known friend. As odd as this may sound, I truly feel that I would be letting them down if I was to just give-up. Somehow these strangers give me the strength to keep going; to continue writing and sharing my experience in hopes that it will help others in similar situations.




A lot of these “strangers” as I get to know them and their story through regularly reading their posts or by the comments they leave me – have become friends – yes ,virtual – but to me they are no less of a friend, then the friends I see face to face. There are many who occupy my thoughts (just as if I had met them in person) wishing them well with a particular challenge or if they haven’t posted for a while, I hope they are doing ok. Some who I know are going through very difficult times – I often say an extra little prayer for them and their family.

I feel blessed and honoured that my virtual friend, Suburban Princess has become a Friend and we are on our way to developing a great friendship. Not only are we learning how similar our interests are, we also have similar aspirations in life. I’m learning so much from this wonderful person. A few of the things I treasure in our friendship: SP is very thoughtful and has real manners and etiquette – something that I’m working on getting back. The other day when I was having a less than smooth day – it completely became brighter, Miss SP – had sent
me a wonderful card, her words and the little extra touches brighten my day, brought me to tears and made me smile (I can’t say why I smiled – as I am not able to let SP know – but in the next few days I’m sure she’ll understand).



To all my Virtual Friends – know how much you are appreciated!!! Through your inspiring posts, I’m learning so much. Know that you are all helping me to find my way in creating a new"me" & life. I hope I have the honour and pleasure of getting to meet more of you in person, over time. In the meantime I look forward to developing Virtual Friendships with you as we get to know each other better with each click on the keyboard.

14 comments:

  1. Dear friend, I couldn't have said it better myself! I've been thinking the same thing about the wonderful friends I have made through just a few short months of blogging...I consider you one of those! And as you said, I too wonder if I'll ever meet any of them...
    hugs dear girl!
    Terry

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  2. Your words are so true, it is strange how we think of these people as real friends, its nice though to find support from people other than our immediate friends and family. You can almost be more of yourself, online, and people really do accept you for who you are. xx

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  3. Now you are making me cry!!!
    I have loved every minute of my blogging experience and getting to meet you and become friends is the icing on the cake!!

    I have made so many great 'friends' through blogging - I dont think there is a city in North America I dont have a drinking buddy in now!

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  4. What a beautiful post and I must agree with you about Miss SP, she is a lovely, well-mannered lady and a wonderful friend to many of us. You are blessed (as is she) for having the opportunity to develop a such a friendship!
    Hope you are having a super weekend my friend!

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  5. I totally agree with everything you wrote about it this post! I have developed so many friends in my 2 years of blogging. 5 years ago, I would never have imagined myself with so many "virtual" friends, but it's great!

    SP is the sweetest, isn't is?

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  6. Beautiful post, everything rings true. Thank you for your regular and kind comments chez moi!
    Sharon

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  7. Having only been a blogger for about 2 months it is so true what you have written here on this post. There are so many sweet and wonderful people out there and I have met quite a few.
    Thank you for this beautiful post I am always so inspired by you!
    Enjoy Your Friends!
    Barb

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  8. I feel so emotional with your words that are soooooo true!!!!!
    I must say that there are some virtual friends that I treasure and care and thought about more than some people I know and I see everyday!!!
    I'm very lucky to be on a blogland corner full of great people, which includes you my brave angel friend.

    Thank you for your words and thoughts on my blog.

    Tons of love lovely you
    xoxo

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  9. Hope your weekend is being fantastic!
    xo

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  10. I have to agree with Fab .. I think I am even more open, honest and myself on line .. than I might be in real life.
    I have realised that I love cyber life and the friends I have made, from all walks of life. I love the diversity of the conversations, the life experiences that we can share with one another and of course the emotional support we bring to each other.
    I have also been lucky enough to have met a few in the real world and I would say if we lived nearer we would see more of each other. But I probably talk to most of you on line buddies, more than my terrestrial friends as we chat daily with our little comments on each others pages ...
    I am glad to know you HHL and really enjoy your posts ... and Dolce paws too xx

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  11. Very well said. The virtual friends are as real as our "real life" friends. Blogland is truly and amazing place, I had no idea! You are one of my amazing friends, it is always a pleasure to read of your latest triumphs.
    Bon week-end,
    Mimi

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  12. Hi!!

    Thanks for stopping by my blog and visiting the Follow Friday 40 and Over Blog Hop!

    I am now following you too!

    I would also like to invite you to join the Over 40 Bloggers Club!! Take a look and join in the fun!

    Have a wonderful weekend!!
    Java

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  13. I know exactly how you feel and you've said it perfectly.
    Thank you for stopping by and commenting... I am now following your blog and looking forward to reading more of your stuff.
    All the best,
    Kim

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  14. aww that is an awesome post :D i feel spedshul nao.

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