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5 Traits Of A True Friend

Jul 6th 2010

By: Tormod

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I received a phone call last night from a friend I hadn’t seen in many a year. And yet it was as if we’d spoken only yesterday. What I love about this friend is their honesty. That’s always been a fine quality in their life. They carry no airs or graces. They are fragile, humble, and always encouraging.

And that’s when I reflected on what traits are those that I have discovered in what I would call a true friend. Here are five for you to ponder and measure yourself against as a true friend.

1. A True Friend Is Conversational

What I mean by conversational is that they not only talk, but also take time to listen. It is not one-sided conversation, but rather a balanced interaction between two hearts and minds that leaves both parties uplifted and enlightened. Conversation is not forced, but rather flows like liquid gold.

2. A True Friend Is Available

No matter how busy life gets, a true friend will always make time to meet, to talk or to listen. It is that availability that makes this friendship so special, and will grow from strength to strength.

3. A True Friend Is Sensitive

Rather than being someone who sucks the very life out of their relationship, a true friend is aware of the needs of the other person. They know when it’s time to be there, and they also know when it’s time to leave, and even at times to keep silent. We all need our own space from time to time, and a true friend won’t be offended by this, but will continue to be a true friend with great understanding and compassion.

4. A True Friend Is Humble

True friendship cannot last if built upon a foundation of pride, boasting or competition. So any communication between true friends is covered by a generous sprinkling of humility where both parties cheer on each of their successes, and comfort each other in their losses. The relationship is built upon the win/win philosophy.

5. A True Friend Is Faithful

No matter what rumors or bad reports are circulated about someone’s friend, the true friend will communicate directly with their friend and stand with them through the fire or the flood. Forgiveness reigns when mistakes are made. Sorry is a word quickly uttered if hurt is incurred. And through faithfulness, the friendship is forever strengthened.

So be a friend. But not only that. Be a true friend, and you in turn will find yourself surrounded by a company of people whom you can call your true friends.

5 Traits Of A True Friend is a post from: Motivational Memo Blog
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How To Change Your Life

Jun 18th 2010

By: Tormod

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‘When we are no longer able to change a situation – we are challenged to change ourselves.’ Viktor Frankl

Situations come. Situations go. But no matter what situation we find ourselves in, we are given the wonderful opportunity to not always change the situation or even how others respond to that situation, but rather to change the way we think, the way we respond, and the very way we live.

Someone recently told me that if you’re standing still you’re actually going backwards. However, if we create an environment within which we are constantly challenged to change, we will ever more forward.

So position yourself for constant change by surrounding yourself with books, CD’s,DVD’s, seminars, associates and mentors who constantly challenge you where you’re at, and provoke you to change.

To change is to grow. And in order to grow, you and I must change.

Move your focus from trying to change those around you to changing yourself. And watch the changes that will begin to occur around you. Like a pebble flung into a pond, the ripple effect will be reflected in a changed word in and around you, because you decided to change.

by Peter G. James Sinclair

How To Change Your Life is a post from: Motivational Memo Blog
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Thought’s Forts

May 15th 2010

By: Tormod

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by Peter G. James Sinclair

The defining difference between those who win in life and those who lose is determined by the thoughts that are allowed to take residence in the minds of both. And not only that. It is also directly related to the hedges of protection that they place around their mind that will impact how they live. The most powerful ammunition that can either fortify your life or destroy it are the words that we use on a daily basis.

My challenge to you as my reader now is for you to do a word check. Stop and listen to the words that are passing your lips.

Are they the words of a victor, or are they the words of the defeated?

‘I can’, ‘I will’, ‘I must’, ‘I am able’ build layer upon layer of protection around the fort of your thought. They are ‘building’ words. They are bound by reinforced steel. They are pylons that are plunged deep into your being, ever ready for any thought onslaught that could hit you at any moment.

However, the words ‘I can’t’, ‘I couldn’t’, ‘I won’t’, ‘I’m not able’ do the reverse. These are deconstructive words that give place to the enemy of your life. They open up wide gaping holes in the fortification of your mind and keep you imprisoned in your present – still bound by your past and unless you change your speech you will remain chained into a future defined by those very words.

Words have the power to paint your present and create your future. The paint and the paintbrush is in your mouth. Are you using bright colors filled with faith, or are your words dark with negativity and doubt?

But if you choose to only allow empowering, life-giving words to be your fortification then you will stand strong when the invisible enemy assails your mind. For he will come – but you will be ready to resist, defend and defeat.

Make it your major building project this year to increase your fortified vocabulary that will not only protect you, but will at the same time empower you. For you will be so strong of mind – so much so – that you will be able to go on the offensive as you assault the enemy before he comes, and you will be victorious time and time again – all the way to a glorious and ‘wordy’ future.

Thought’s Forts is a post from: Motivational Memo Blog
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What is a true friend?

Mar 22nd 2010

By: Tormod

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A true friend knows your weaknesses
but shows you your strengths;

feels your fears
but fortifies your faith;

sees your anxieties
but frees your spirit;

recognizes your disabilities
but emphasizes your possibilities.

William Arthur Ward
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THE “W” IN CHRISTMAS

Dec 26th 2009

By: Tormod

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Each December, I vowed to make Christmas a calm and peaceful experience. I had cut back on nonessential obligations — extensive card writing, endless baking, decorating, and even overspending. Yet still, I found myself exhausted, unable to appreciate the precious family moments, and of course, the true meaning of Christmas.

My son, Nicholas, was in kindergarten that year. It was an exciting season for a six year old. For weeks, he’d been memorizing songs for his school’s “Winter Pageant.” I didn’t have the heart to tell him I’d be working the night of the production. Unwilling to miss his shining moment, I spoke with
his teacher. She assured me there’d be a dress rehearsal the morning of the presentation. All parents unable to attend that evening were welcome to come then. Fortunately, Nicholas seemed happy with the compromise.

So, the morning of the dress rehearsal, I filed in ten minutes early, found a spot on the cafeteria floor and sat down. Around the room, I saw several other parents quietly scampering to their seats. As I waited, the students were led into the room. Each class, accompanied by their teacher, sat cross-legged on the floor. Then, each group, one by one, rose to perform their song.

Because the public school system had long stopped referring to the holiday as “Christmas,” I didn’t expect anything other than fun, commercial entertainment — songs of reindeer, Santa Claus, snowflakes and good cheer. So, when my son’s class rose to sing, “Christmas Love,” I was slightly taken aback by its bold title.

Nicholas was aglow, as were all of his classmates, adorned in fuzzy mittens, red sweaters, and bright snowcaps upon their heads. Those in the front row-center stage held up large letters, one by one, to spell out the title of the song. As the class would sing “C is for Christmas,” a child would hold up the letter C. Then, “H is for Happy,” and on and on, until each child holding up his portion had presented the complete message, “Christmas Love.”

The performance was going smoothly, until suddenly, we noticed her; a small, quiet, girl in the front row holding the letter “M” upside down — totally unaware her letter “M” appeared as a “W”. The audience of 1st through 6th graders snickered at this little one’s mistake. But she had no idea they were laughing at her, so she stood tall, proudly holding her “W”.

Although many teachers tried to shush the children, the laughter continued until the last letter was raised, and we all saw it together. A hush came over the audience and eyes began to widen. In that instant, we understood the reason we were there, why we celebrated the holiday in the first place, why even in the chaos, there was a purpose for our festivities.

For when the last letter was held high, the message read loud and clear: “CHRISTWAS LOVE” And, I believe, He still is!
Author Unknown

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