LIVE THE LIFE YOU LOVE

We don’t get to choose our family, but we can choose our friends. We welcome these special people into our lives intentionally. In some ways they mean more to us than family.

I met my best friend Dawn back in 1999. We worked at the same government agency. We didn’t talk much at first, but over time we were assigned to be partners. That’s how our friendship got its start.

Work life was hectic. Long hours, clients that were criminals, and strict deadlines almost made the two of us crazy.

We were single mothers raising kids, trying to make the world a safer place. We were unstoppable, highly productive, and very happy doing what we did for a living.

I remember many weekends and holiday shifts working with Dawn. It was rare for us to complain. Even the 14 hour shifts weren’t bad.

We would giggle about how our lives had turned into something we never envisioned, yet we were incredibly happy.

The reason we were joyful at work is because of one thing: our friendship.

It didn’t matter what happened or how hard the job got. We overcame it all together.

Here are 3 keys to having a fabulous friendship:

• Acceptance. Dawn accepted me and all my zany ideas. I settled into the fact she was more sane and definitely not as playful as me. We had different views on different topics and we each accepted that completely. That’s what gave our relationship a bit of spice!

• Consistency. A great friend will be consistent. She won’t act fake or behave in a way that would put you down. Her character is stable, and because of this your friendship will be, too.

I remember one time Dawn had a lawsuit pending against the agency. She needed someone to testify on her behalf. No one would come forward even though they knew she was being mistreated.

I did the right thing and testified. I knew if I was fake and unable to stand by her side our friendship would weaken. I didn’t want that.

• Compassion. I recall a time I had to take 6 months off from work. After the first few weeks I was depressed. I had no idea how much my friendship with Dawn had grown into something I looked forward to.

One day she stopped by after her work-shift. I broke down in tears. I missed her dearly. She sat with me and fully understood. Her compassion was real and still is.

Friends can comfort us in our darkest hours. It’s impossible to put a price on a fabulous friendship.

Who is your best friend?

Call that person. Let her know just how much her friendship means to you today!