A good friend...

The Buddha often emphasized the characteristics of a good friend. He spoke about a good friend as one who gives a kind of happiness based on knowing our interconnectedness, and that learning to be a friend to ourselves and being one to others is really the same thing.

He spoke about a good friend, or a true friend, as being someone who is a helper, who will protect us when we are taken unaware, when we are surprised by life in some way. This person will be a refuge to us when we are afraid. He spoke about a good friend as someone who is constant in our time of happiness and in our times of adversity or sorrow. Someone who will not forsake us when we are in trouble. And as someone who will tell us their secrets and will not betray our secrets to others, and at the same time will be completely honest with us and warn us if they think we are heading off towards danger.

When we have such a friend, we have a gift beyond measure.

So, think aboout this for a moment: Are you being a true friend to yourself? Are you encouraging yourself, thinking healthy thoughts, putting good information in your head and feeding your soul? Do you remember to congratulate yourself for your efforts and your sacrifices? Do you try to stay positive during the hard times instead of putting yourself down? Are you saying kind words to yourself? Are you being truthful to yourself? Are you projecting love and good vibes to yourself? Are you loving yourself? Are you forgiving yourself? Are you giving yourself another chance? Are you loving yourself, unconditionally? Are you being a true friend to yourself?