Where Can I Find Authentic Friendships? by Nickie Wheeler

08 Oct Where Can I Find Authentic Friendships? by Nickie Wheeler

Friendships come in all forms, sometimes in the most surprising ways. For me the most important part of being a friend is listening. I know it’s mostly out of style these days, we want fast answers, we want to talk about ourselves not someone else’s problems or successes. We love Instagram, Facebook and texting and we love the immediate reward of those dings, the likes… Is that really friendship, do you count all those dings as friends? Do they reach out to you in your time of need… or are you like a lot of people you don’t let people know in your time of need because well that’s not what you think people want to hear. Where are the authentic friendships, the ones that come with hugs, chatting over coffee or even talking on the phone? You have to create them. They are the missing piece in our social fabric of creating friends. Friendships can be tough, they come with really messy people, they take time, you can get hurt. Are you still with me?  It’s tough for us, who do you trust? We all trust God will be with us, we have Faith, sometimes we forget our friends are humans, they can hurt us. But you know what it’s okay. Jesus was hurt by his friends, did He stop loving us, did He stop being our friend. No… He didn’t. He keeps reaching out to us every single day. Friendship takes time, we have to be patient with our friends, we learn who is a good match, we have friends for seasons and friends for years. Finding those friends takes a bit of courage, putting yourself out there, not being afraid to talk to someone new, to really be interested in someone else. Join a bible study, take a class, go meet people in person not online. I am not saying you can’t have good friendships online; I am saying the art of friendship is something that is solid and grounding and matures in person. You share the laughter, the tears, and the hugs. It’s a in person experience that provides you with the positive feelings of happiness and Joy. It’s a shared experience. Sharing a smile and hug in person is a powerful experience and lifts you up in many ways. Don’t stop talking to your friends online, make the experience richer by using the phone (yes, a phone call), sending a card, making a date for coffee, or even meeting at the grocery store and talk while you do one of your activities. Jesus had a small group of friends that he cherished and prayed for regularly, they broke bread together, they ministered to others together, they walked together! Life is meant to be shared with friends! Now go out there and connect with friends, new and old in a way that brings Joy to your heart!

Nickie Wheeler

I was recently married after being a single mom to three wonderful kids for many years to my soul mate and encourager who showed me true love. I am life and fitness coach and am certified in several types of fitness and nutrition areas. I have worked in the public mental health field for the past 25 plus years. I am also a trained Stephen Minister and Stephen Leader. I have lead numerous bible and accountably groups over the past 15 years. My passion is to inspire women to find the best version of themselves using spiritual, physical and emotional avenues.

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