Friends, Warriors and Enemies

Life lesson: Actions speak louder than words.

A friend is someone who accepts us as we are. A friend can offer their opinion, yet not insist upon you taking their advice. A friend accepts differences, holds out a hand when we are down and is there when we need assistance. A friend may lovingly poke fun at our oddities. A friend makes us laugh.

We often have a long history with a friend, which includes shared experiences, but they may also be someone new. I was recently invited to a movie by a new friend and it was a welcome outing, a cherished interaction. A friend is a pleasure to be around, will let us make mistakes and doesn’t chastise us for doing so. A friend fulfills us.

Some of our friends may not be human. A dog, for example, doesn’t care if you make a mistake. A dog will love us unconditionally.

A warrior is all of the above, but a friend who “has our back.” A warrior will protect us in our time of need. A warrior will see overt and covert attacks upon us and intervene, with our permission. A warrior will let themselves be known to “enemies.” A warrior in a quiet, subtle, vociferous or physical manner, will act as a shield. A warrior acts in a positive manner and may show up as a surprise among our friends. Recently, a warrior friend subtly inquired if I was overspending. I wasn’t, but since I usually don’t spend at all, it seemed like a red flag. It may have seemed like an intrusion, but the inquiry was done with my best interest at heart. Her inquiry felt good. She has my back.

An enemy has only their own best interest at heart. An enemy will belittle, disrespect and disregard our needs or best interests. An enemy will manipulate in any manner to prove themselves superior. An enemy is basically a person who must constantly prove how wonderful they are. An enemy must not, in my opinion, have a very good concept of themselves. An enemy, also in my opinion, must constantly, at all costs, feed their egos. An enemy in any manner, whether it be subtle, obnoxious, funny or even with their appearance, will be on attack. An enemy has to be constantly guarded against. An enemy will, bit-by-bit chip away at our soul. The intent, subconsciously, is to destroy us, to be superior. An enemy always has to be right, in their opinions. A friend recently took it upon herself to throw away most of my over-the-counter pain meds. She decided they were all outdated, and although I told her they were not, she threw them away when I wasn’t looking. I don’t need this “enemy" in my life.

In our vulnerability, we are targets for the wolves in sheep’s clothing. They may outwardly appear helpful, but they have an underlying agenda. I have unknowingly let some wolves into my life.

As I have attempted to re-enter life, I could be weighed down with enemies. I need to welcome my friends and warriors. I need to discard my enemies.

How sincere are your friends? Let me know. I care.

Sincerely,

Lynn Brooke

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Photo Credit: © 2023 Rachel Gareau