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CONSIDER THIS with Annette Petrick

Timely perspectives on life, love, friends, family, giving back, and giving thanks

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acceptance

New Friends

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Backstory – New Friends

I have this habit of twisting my hair when I’m thinking. Catching myself doing it one day, I started wondering if that annoys anyone.  And out of that thought, came this story.

Click to listen or follow below to read.

New Friends – #361

Remember what it was like as a kid to make a new friend? The tentative moves toward each other and the total delight when you each found in the other, something you enjoyed and wanted to repeat.

Of course adults have many more facets than children – a lifetime of experiences… political opinions… habits and preferred behaviors.

We recently met a couple with whom we had a lot in common. We enjoyed their company except for one habit they had. We discussed whether that was a deal breaker or whether we wanted to be their friends nonetheless. We decided the latter. 

So when they behave in that odd way, we just shrug and say, “That’s our friends being who they are.” Then we move on to the next fun time we enjoy with them.

Compromise?  Sure.  But how do we know that they are not compromising with some behavior that we exhibit. They may be kindheartedly tolerating us in the same small degree that we are them.

Another thing we learned from childhood is not to resent their having other friends.  We need not do everything together or see everything in the same light.  To hear an opposing view from someone we respect may just open our minds to new truths and preferences.

If their hearts are pure and we share the same values and principles, the friendship is probably worth nurturing.

P.S.

Have you made enjoy-in-person new friends through social media? Or do you find that digital friends remain in that venue?

[Show #361]

Filed Under: Family and Friendship, Love and Kindness Tagged With: acceptance, annoying habits, patience

New Abnormal

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Backstory

We can’t control what happens, but we can always control our reaction. I had just had a vivid example of the benefits of positivity.  It inspired a message about coping with change.

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New Abnormal – #376

Most of us come into this world in perfect condition: ten fingers and toes – although I have always wondered why counting digits is so important to new parents. Anyway, we perfect beings have minds ready to learn, bodies ready to grow and perform.

Then somewhere along the way, something may happen – accident…disease…chronic illness. It could happen when you are 26…or 39…or 74.

Suddenly, things are no longer normal. All the things you could do before are no longer easy or fast. You’re slowed down. You could easily be convinced that you are sidelined. You’re not perfect anymore.

That’s when attitude becomes as important as the right treatment. You have to decide on your own personal new normal. Set new goals within your current capacity. You can sit and bemoan the loss of the old normal – or work toward improvement, but within the accepted new normal.

Learning to accept help graciously can be an important part of relearning. Those who do so often find they can again have a good life with much joy and many adventures. Maybe not as elaborate as when you first came into the world, but fine enough to say Life is Good – even in my new normal.

P.S.

Happiness is relative. Things don’t need to be perfect for you to be happy.  Count your blessings and don’t fret if the list is not as long as it used to be. The point is to build on what we have today and give thanks. Always give thanks.

Show #376

Filed Under: Advice and Encouragement, Laughter, Joy, and Gratitude, Love and Kindness, Memories and Aging Well Tagged With: acceptance, aging, lifestyle, new normal

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