Friendships Are Worth More Than Gold!

True friendships are gifts beyond measure and for most of us, real treasures for us in life.

We all deserve to have friendships that call to our hearts and souls – that push and pull us as we discover our innermost truths and strengths.

Sometimes, I think we settle for less because we don’t know what to look for in friends and when we realize the friendship will not or cannot provide what we really need – we are disappointed.

To seek quality friends, we need to learn how to be a quality friend first.

Some suggestions in our quest for new friends:

We need to learn to be a good listener and not to share with others what you are told of another’s inner life. Privacy of information is essential in building trust in the friendship.

Move slowly before trying to share all of your struggles and challenges. Be honest and truthful. Practice compassion, meaning, listen with an open heart and withhold judgment.

Compassion is a quality that is learned through practice. Express gratitude often for those who support you.

Having quality friendships in life is enhancing and soothes our soul, especially during stressful, lonely times and for our moments of sheer happiness.

Developing the above skills may take some time and patience, but the investment is well worth it as you will experience new and fulfilling qualities in your friendships.

Read more posts by Mary Ann Sheveland here. Mary Ann is a blogger for JenningsWire.

Mary Ann Sheveland

Mary Ann grew up in Brownwood, a small central Texas town. Her early love of the violin, which developed at the age of ten, and subsequent mastery of the instrument opened many opportunities for her. She was mentored and prepared for her musical journey from the director of the Abilene Philharmonic Orchestra. She auditioned and was selected to join the Blue Jeans Symphony Orchestra. The orchestra was underwritten by Levi Straus Blue Jean Manufacturer and the City of Estes Park, Colorado. Two musical students from each state were selected and concerts were given each Sunday afternoon in a natural amphitheater in the Rocky Mountains. Mary Ann remains an alumnus of this group which is an active symphony now making their home in Breckenridge, Colorado. Mary Ann also played in the Las Vegas, Wichita Falls and Austin Symphony Orchestras.

She had a busy career beginning at the Governor’s Office in Colorado. Then fourteen years at a Texas Trade Association. She was Manager of a Computer Magazine Publishing Company. The last few years of working were spent in sales, which led to her home office, as her husband’s health declined.

Since her husband’s death, Mary Ann has written several books, including a Book of Poetry, Children’s Short Stories, Reflections, The Pioneers and her just published book, Journey of My Heart, A Memoir.

During the last quarter of 2012 Mary Ann was engaged with speaking engagements and book signings in several states, as well as radio interviews from New York City, Dallas, Denver, Portland and Seattle, Washington.