The Power of Quality Friendships
Simon T. Bailey
Brilliance Researcher, Keynote Speaker, Writer| Board Member | Founder of BrilliantU? | 4X Dad & G-Pop | Rare Stamp Collector | Pickleball Novice | Gospel Music Enthusiast
In life, I believe that all you need is one good friend—someone who sees your flaws, imperfections, and areas of opportunity. They know you and you know them. Yet, they refuse to cut you off at the knees with piercing comments or feed you to the wolves of your own self-doubt.
Yes, it’s true, no one is perfect. However, no one wants to receive a boomerang of reminders of past failures. Now, there is a need for crucial conversations that snap you back into reality.
One of my mentors, Dr. Mark Chironna, says, “You don’t know yourself by yourself.” It takes a quality friend to give you a 360-degree perspective on how you are showing up in the world.
That’s a quality friend. I’ve had the fortunate pleasure of having a best friend since fourth grade. Forty years later, we still tell each other the truth. We’ve experienced deaths, births, divorce, graduations, disappointments, and, to some degree, parenting our own parents.
We do not always agree. We are both strong-willed alpha males who know everything. Well, to some degree. Nevertheless, we respectfully disagree and ultimately find a new bridge of understanding. Yes, we can go months without talking, and out of the blue call each other and pick up right where we left off, as if no time passed.
A quality friend will speak words into your life that build you up instead of words that tear you down.
Quality friendships mirror back to you what’s possible in a world of impossibilities.
Quality friendships invite you into their imperfect homes without any pretense or need to impress.
Quality friendships will ask you if you are staying faithful to your spouse.
Quality friendships will tell you the truth instead of blowing smoke up your leg when you are swimming in a lake of egotism.
Unless there is a deeper conversation with someone beyond liking a post, making a comment, or resharing a blog, at best you have a quantity of acquaintances.
领英推荐
Having a quantity of acquaintances is a mile wide, in-depth, and an inch deep in substance.
A quantity of acquaintances gives one a dopamine rush that says you are important and influential. That’s great. I have played that game, chasing after fans, followers, and friends, only to find out that you couldn’t call them at 3 a.m. when you are stuck and contemplating doing things that your Bible-believing Pentecostal mother wouldn’t be proud of.
A quality friend will remind you of your commitment to God, your family, and the future. Remember: Whoever has your ear, has your life. Quality people speak into where you are going. A quantity of acquaintances is like running water; they come through your life instead of into it. Recognize the difference and you will invest your energy into what feeds and causes you to thrive.
Spark Your Day
? BrilliantU?
One of the prominent features of BrilliantU? is the BU community, a vibrant group of like-minded individuals who share a common passion for personal and professional growth. When you join BrilliantU,? you become a part of this supportive network, where you can connect with others who are equally committed to lifelong learning and self-improvement. Together, you'll embark on transformative journeys, fostering meaningful connections and inspiring one another to reach new heights in both life and your career.
?? Release Your Brilliance
Did you know quality friendships play a pivotal role in nurturing and unleashing your inner brilliance? In the book "Release Your Brilliance," you'll discover valuable insights and strategies to empower you to shine even brighter in your personal and professional life. Dive into its pages today to unlock your full potential by releasing your brilliance today.
Education Management Professional
1 年Hello people yes I am late but this too is a very important topic for me as well cause good true real friends are hard to come by so treasure the real ones that's in your life and don't never take a person for granted due to being nice, being there always when u need something,? always taken and never given we need to learn first how to love ourselves I mean real love AGAPE LOVE ?? CAUSE OTHER THAN THAT THE WORD LOVE IS THROWN AROUND TO LOOSELY?
Digital Marketing | SEO | Technical SEO | Social Media | Content Writing | Google Ads | Social Media Ads | Canva
1 年I truly agree with this article, Friendship is the hardest thing in the world to explain. It's not something you learn in school. But if you haven't learned the meaning of friendship, you really haven't learned anything.
Business Strategy - Driving Transformations, Risk Management, and Governance | Brand Positioning and Communications | Independent Director listed companies | Founder - Brand Horizon
1 年A good friend can actually be a magic wand that springs you out of bed with loads of confidence, especially on the days when things are not going great.
Technology Executive | AI & Data, Digital Transformation, Strategy, P&L | People Leadership???
1 年Good friendship is measured by the quality of your friends. In a world marked by political correctness and easily offended sensibilities, the essence of true friendship stands out. A genuine friendship is defined not by the quantity but by the quality of the moments, memories, and bonds shared. It's a blessing to have friends who candidly speak the truth, and yet do so in a manner that uplifts rather than demeans.? As I pen these thoughts, I reflect on my own actions.? How might I embody the qualities of the friend I desire; and in doing so, make a difference in someone else's life?
--
1 年Well said. My friend has been there for 51 years. I am, as I type this, beginning the move across country to live closer to her. I was stuck in a job that wasn't giving me what I needed in life, she helped me make the decision to start over. Here's to new beginnings!