I’m OK…

I am building my speaking-teaching career, it has been a lesson in true friendship.  Your true friends are the ones that show up when you need help.  It is easy to be your friend when things are going great.  Why not, one more thing to do when you are swimming in good news is easy.  When life is difficult and you don’t have the time or the band width to take care of others your real friends are the ones that show up unannounced.  They listen to the real meaning of “I’m OK”. We are all “OK” as we struggle through the challenging times that life is currently sending our way.  OK is getting to work, getting through work, getting from wake-up to your rest at the end of the day.  Having a great day is a struggle when you are just OK.  Real friends acknowledge that you could use some support when you say you are “OK”.  They hear and see through the veil of OK-ness that you are hiding behind. 

Make sure you acknowledge those friends as they are few.  Our current world is full of hollow “have a great day” wishes.  Make sure you listen for the real message behind those protective statements.  Unless you ask a few more questions or probe just a little deeper you will miss the real message.  Our world is just “OK” right now.  In many parts it is clearly not even that.  As we are gliding along, whether we are sailing or dragging through, take the time to listen to your friends.  Hear the words “OK” but feel the meaning.  “Tell me what is really going on.” --- just might be the kindest thing you can do for your good friend.

I’m okay, thanks for asking….