'Friendship is unnecessary, like philosophy, like art ... It has no survival value; rather it is one of those things that give value to survival' by C S Lewis.
Today, I would like to share my views and experience on friendship.
Every relationship has its moments of uncertainty, especially when we feel lost and confused and begin questioning all the' whys'.
'Why me?!' For one.
It takes courage to decide, 'I'm gonna make it, no matter'. 'My world is about Possibilities'. Instead of what most question: 'How can I keep going when life constantly faces me with hurdles?' It is simply a matter of changing the inquisitive mind into leaving a way for Hope and understanding. Everything is how it is meant to be, and not getting stuck in a repetitive examination that leads to no way out is best. Give yourself the gift of 'hope'. Hope for a better now and future. Begin your day with gratitude.
During this year, something in me changed. It must have been the awakening of the lion in me to realise my life has been great and unique, but it is time to move on to a new chapter with all strength. It has been sad losing friends along the journey, or at least people one counted on as friends, sharing experiences. I had to make a firm decision; if you enter the fabulous bubble I create all around my being, then by all means, come in with love, kindness and no judgment. Through many breakups in friendships this year, I have learned once again a troubled soul seeks excuses to make others wrong; those who judge you harshly are only unkindly questioning their existence. Do not get entangled in their struggle; they will not see it your way and always leave in peace. How others judge you is only their perception of who you are. I have no war to fight, no one to blame and with all the energy in me, I see no point in arguing with anyone who is so adamant about making me wrong with no sense of logic in their words. Everyone has a right to their opinion; do not give in to gossip, and be kind to yourself.
I recently spent a week in Paris. There was an exhibition to attend, Maison et Objet, with eight large halls filled with consumer goods, from interiors to crafts. I recall the few times visiting the expo twenty years ago; the wow factor was inevitable every single time. This time, I searched each hall for new, inspiring ideas that seemed scarce. Times change, the design goes through its own cycle, and we, human beings, evolve through time. Visiting Paris is always a pleasure; simply walking around the streets, whether wide or narrow, the elaborate architecture of the city is admirable. I also got to meet up with friends over long lunches, sitting under the autumn sun in outdoor cafés and restaurants, reminiscing on old stories and creating new ones, sharing life memories.
Today, I would like to share my views and experience on friendship.
Every relationship has its moments of uncertainty, especially when we feel lost and confused and begin questioning all the' whys'.
'Why me?!' For one.
It takes courage to decide, 'I'm gonna make it, no matter'. 'My world is about Possibilities'. Instead of what most question: 'How can I keep going when life constantly faces me with hurdles?' It is simply a matter of changing the inquisitive mind into leaving a way for Hope and understanding. Everything is how it is meant to be, and not getting stuck in a repetitive examination that leads to no way out is best. Give yourself the gift of 'hope'. Hope for a better now and future. Begin your day with gratitude.
During this year, something in me changed. It must have been the awakening of the lion in me to realise my life has been great and unique, but it is time to move on to a new chapter with all strength. It has been sad losing friends along the journey, or at least people one counted on as friends, sharing experiences. I had to make a firm decision; if you enter the fabulous bubble I create all around my being, then by all means, come in with love, kindness and no judgment. Through many breakups in friendships this year, I have learned once again a troubled soul seeks excuses to make others wrong; those who judge you harshly are only unkindly questioning their existence. Do not get entangled in their struggle; they will not see it your way and always leave in peace. How others judge you is only their perception of who you are. I have no war to fight, no one to blame and with all the energy in me, I see no point in arguing with anyone who is so adamant about making me wrong with no sense of logic in their words. Everyone has a right to their opinion; do not give in to gossip, and be kind to yourself.
I recently spent a week in Paris. There was an exhibition to attend, Maison et Objet, with eight large halls filled with consumer goods, from interiors to crafts. I recall the few times visiting the expo twenty years ago; the wow factor was inevitable every single time. This time, I searched each hall for new, inspiring ideas that seemed scarce. Times change, the design goes through its own cycle, and we, human beings, evolve through time. Visiting Paris is always a pleasure; simply walking around the streets, whether wide or narrow, the elaborate architecture of the city is admirable. I also got to meet up with friends over long lunches, sitting under the autumn sun in outdoor cafés and restaurants, reminiscing on old stories and creating new ones, sharing life memories.
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| Notre Dame |
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| Tour Eiffel |
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| Sacre Coeur de Montmartre |
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| St Germain shopping streets |
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| Maison et Objet design exhibition hall |
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| Marché aux Puces |
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| Marché aux Puces |
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| Hotel Costes |
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| Palais de Tokyo - Maison Bleu restaurant |
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| Near Place des Vosges |
Life has not been easy for anyone I have met over the years. Far from it, every single person goes through struggles on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis.
On my return to London, I got on the Eurostar designated coach at the end of the platform with two pieces of luggage on wheels, a painting I had purchased in a large carrier bag, and a large handbag. Only three minutes before the train was to leave, I walked towards my seat, wondering who my new travel companion would be. Moving down the crowded alley to reach seat no 56, my sight delightfully gaged upon a gorgeous young man, tall enough to see his face shine through the crowd. Surprised and not really so, the cutie was my man (obviously not literally!) for the next couple of hours. I smiled once again at my good fortune (I admire beauty in every form or shape) and settled in my seat without a single attention from the young man discussing business matters over the phone in French.
I was reading articles on my iPhone when we approached the tunnel and left the seat at the self-service cabin. Returning with a bag of food, I cut my panini into pieces, turned to my fellow commuter, and offered him half my meal. He seemed puzzled at first, and suddenly, a pleasant smile brightened up his serious look; he asked in French:
That's very kind. Are you sure?"
From then on, we chatted through the rest of the journey. The young man, Matt, was involved in a family business in the Loire Valley in his mid-twenties, travelling to London on a short working trip. When we talked about age, I told him:
"You know Matt, everyone seems so serious these days. No one seems happy! It's hard to find smiley faces. Whether we're forty-something, three years old or ninety-five, there needs to be certainty about how long we have left to live. The same goes for those who are arrogant because of their looks and bodies or the ones boasting of material goods. Well, good for you, I say. They can be taken away from you before you can wink! In a second."
Matt seemed engaged in thought and shortly confessed with a grin:
"It's true, Haldita. I'm too serious sometimes. What you said makes sense. Any age, and we could be gone any time."
It was a joy to leave the young man's side, seeing him smile innocently.
I wished him a bright, happy future and hugged him before quickly exiting to catch a taxi home.
It has been so hard in London to get back to work. So many distractions of daily meetings with friends; at home, out and about in all corners of this city which is so full of attractions to fill any need, life has been rocking. Believe me, there are moments of doubt for each of us. One of my fit and healthy living relatives recently passed away two weeks after being diagnosed with cancer.
Talking to someone who had an afterlife experience during an open heart operation, he claimed: "It was so peaceful up there. I didn't really want to come back."
So, have no fear of death. That is one thing we are all sure of. Instead, think how lucky you are to be alive and simply do your utmost to make the best of every moment. Keep thinking about how my time could be up at any moment and what I can do to make my life worth living.
People's faith in religion is declining since it is being used as a tool to create division, wars and dislike among mankind. What shameful behaviour when we can see all as equal beings with all the tools to help one another with love and understanding. With compassion. Instead of this anger, people seem to hold within.
Talking to my mother today, she said:
"What has happened to our world? We used to live in harmony. There was unity amongst mankind, and despite our differences, there was always some form of respect. You could see people smile at each other. Why is everyone so angry nowadays? It's all about greed and egos, a rat race. Human lives have no value."
One cannot help but feel heartbroken by the state of the world with all the refugees fleeing their homes, family and friends to walk miles with only a slight case of their lifetime belongings, with an unknown future as to where they may end up. We have read some gruelling stories and seen disturbing images of young children brought to shore in their quest to reach safety, only to live.
For those of you who have born children into this world, don't judge them harshly because they have not turned out to be the adults you had hoped to become yourselves. They are not here to live your life, but their own experience and path. Show them unconditional love with discipline. And children should not blame their parents for everything they feel has gone wrong. Your parents have done their best for you, and although we question our parents more than any other creature we come upon later in life, they could only do what they did. Try to understand their journey and sympathise with them rather than judge them. But foremost, stop judging yourselves. Accept your beauty as it flows, and make peace with the inner you. Stop bloody thinking so much about unnecessary thoughts. Replace them with happy moments from the past and positive words towards a brighter future.
Throw me anything and see how I can cope
Tie my hands and watch me untwist that rope
Cloud my mind with all the thoughts of dope
Wash this brain in a bowl clouded with soap
Fill my ears with the unspoken words of 'nope.'
I believe in God but not in the holy pope
Instead, I will reach out to the harmonious globe
And find a way either to stay positive or elope.
This world clearly needs to scope
Life is full of possibilities; it's all about Hope.
@halditanotes
I am grateful to be able to write down my feelings and check to see if they are being read all over the globe. It is truly heartwarming. Thank you, beautiful people. God Bless.
On my return to London, I got on the Eurostar designated coach at the end of the platform with two pieces of luggage on wheels, a painting I had purchased in a large carrier bag, and a large handbag. Only three minutes before the train was to leave, I walked towards my seat, wondering who my new travel companion would be. Moving down the crowded alley to reach seat no 56, my sight delightfully gaged upon a gorgeous young man, tall enough to see his face shine through the crowd. Surprised and not really so, the cutie was my man (obviously not literally!) for the next couple of hours. I smiled once again at my good fortune (I admire beauty in every form or shape) and settled in my seat without a single attention from the young man discussing business matters over the phone in French.
I was reading articles on my iPhone when we approached the tunnel and left the seat at the self-service cabin. Returning with a bag of food, I cut my panini into pieces, turned to my fellow commuter, and offered him half my meal. He seemed puzzled at first, and suddenly, a pleasant smile brightened up his serious look; he asked in French:
That's very kind. Are you sure?"
From then on, we chatted through the rest of the journey. The young man, Matt, was involved in a family business in the Loire Valley in his mid-twenties, travelling to London on a short working trip. When we talked about age, I told him:
"You know Matt, everyone seems so serious these days. No one seems happy! It's hard to find smiley faces. Whether we're forty-something, three years old or ninety-five, there needs to be certainty about how long we have left to live. The same goes for those who are arrogant because of their looks and bodies or the ones boasting of material goods. Well, good for you, I say. They can be taken away from you before you can wink! In a second."
Matt seemed engaged in thought and shortly confessed with a grin:
"It's true, Haldita. I'm too serious sometimes. What you said makes sense. Any age, and we could be gone any time."
It was a joy to leave the young man's side, seeing him smile innocently.
I wished him a bright, happy future and hugged him before quickly exiting to catch a taxi home.
It has been so hard in London to get back to work. So many distractions of daily meetings with friends; at home, out and about in all corners of this city which is so full of attractions to fill any need, life has been rocking. Believe me, there are moments of doubt for each of us. One of my fit and healthy living relatives recently passed away two weeks after being diagnosed with cancer.
Talking to someone who had an afterlife experience during an open heart operation, he claimed: "It was so peaceful up there. I didn't really want to come back."
So, have no fear of death. That is one thing we are all sure of. Instead, think how lucky you are to be alive and simply do your utmost to make the best of every moment. Keep thinking about how my time could be up at any moment and what I can do to make my life worth living.
People's faith in religion is declining since it is being used as a tool to create division, wars and dislike among mankind. What shameful behaviour when we can see all as equal beings with all the tools to help one another with love and understanding. With compassion. Instead of this anger, people seem to hold within.
Talking to my mother today, she said:
"What has happened to our world? We used to live in harmony. There was unity amongst mankind, and despite our differences, there was always some form of respect. You could see people smile at each other. Why is everyone so angry nowadays? It's all about greed and egos, a rat race. Human lives have no value."
One cannot help but feel heartbroken by the state of the world with all the refugees fleeing their homes, family and friends to walk miles with only a slight case of their lifetime belongings, with an unknown future as to where they may end up. We have read some gruelling stories and seen disturbing images of young children brought to shore in their quest to reach safety, only to live.
For those of you who have born children into this world, don't judge them harshly because they have not turned out to be the adults you had hoped to become yourselves. They are not here to live your life, but their own experience and path. Show them unconditional love with discipline. And children should not blame their parents for everything they feel has gone wrong. Your parents have done their best for you, and although we question our parents more than any other creature we come upon later in life, they could only do what they did. Try to understand their journey and sympathise with them rather than judge them. But foremost, stop judging yourselves. Accept your beauty as it flows, and make peace with the inner you. Stop bloody thinking so much about unnecessary thoughts. Replace them with happy moments from the past and positive words towards a brighter future.
Throw me anything and see how I can cope
Tie my hands and watch me untwist that rope
Cloud my mind with all the thoughts of dope
Wash this brain in a bowl clouded with soap
Fill my ears with the unspoken words of 'nope.'
I believe in God but not in the holy pope
Instead, I will reach out to the harmonious globe
And find a way either to stay positive or elope.
This world clearly needs to scope
Life is full of possibilities; it's all about Hope.
@halditanotes
I am grateful to be able to write down my feelings and check to see if they are being read all over the globe. It is truly heartwarming. Thank you, beautiful people. God Bless.
