A real friend

Hi All,
Hope you're all staying dry on this rainy, windy day. I think Winnie the Pooh would say, "It's blustery outside!"
Speaking of Winnie the Pooh...his BFF is Tigger, right? I remember part of one story where I think it was Pooh who said to Tigger "I just wanted to be sure of you." To me, that means (whether it was Tigger and Pooh or not) that Pooh just wanted to be sure Tigger was there, just there if Pooh needed him.
Sometimes we know our friends are there, but we still feel alone. And sometimes, as the friend who is 'there', we don't notice or 'tune in' when our friends really need us because they don't ask-or feel like they can't ask.
And, to bring this back to 'real' people...women often think we have to be 'Superwoman'...the perfect wife, Mom, friend, sister, daughter and on and on. We think if we don't keep all those 'balls' in the air, we're a failure.
We also think that, since we've always been the 'strong' one for everyone else, if we ask for help and reach out...we're weak.
These things can lead to us really hurting ourselves in a variety of different ways.

It doesn't have to be that way and it takes a HUGE amount of courage to step WAY out of your comfort zone and ask for help and admit you can't do it all.

And, as the friend that's 'there', you have to reach down deep when someone asks for help or tells you something that shocks you and find the unconditional love that person deserves. You have to realize that understanding and non-judgement is what this person needs. They do not need your anger (those some anger is understandable) or disappointment-they are already angry and disappointed in themselves. The outside forces that have helped create this issue have to be recognized and dealt with; however the person must take personal responsibility and, if they do, they need to be praised for that.

So, Pooh, I'm proud of you. I am here and I've always been here and I'll not be going anywhere ever. Remember that only God can judge. Remember that you are an incredibly special person and you have done a very courageous thing. You are back on the right path and that is all that matters now. I knew that your family would be there for you as you have always been there for them. I promise that I will be a more present friend to you and hold you up when you need it. You can count on me.
Now let that incredible weight on your shoulders go, let the rest of us help you carry it. You are not alone anymore.

And to all of you-when a friend is trying to tell you something really listen. You know... that friend you think of that's really strong and always listens to your stuff and is there for you-stop. Listen. Are they trying to reach out to you but you're too busy to hear them? Everyone is busy and no one is blaming you...but did you really HEAR that person reaching out? Did you just assume (we know what happens when we do that) that they are 'just fine' because they 'always are'??? Or, maybe it's your sister, daughter, wife...listen. Watch. What are they really saying? Reach out. They say they're fine and don't need you-go anyway. Just give them the opportunity to open up even if they never do. You might find they DO need to open up and they DO need help this time. And when you do, you'll find out how good it feels to help someone who is always there for you!