Liz~
I could not agree more with your thoughts during your gathering. Taking the time to simply ask questions and having an open mind to understanding a different point of view will quickly become enlightening and intriguing.
In regards to your friend, I also agree that the best thing to do for her or anyone making a life changing decision is to simply listen, support, and help her paint a picture of where she sees herself in the future. All while encouraging her to make a choice that will put her in the “future” picture that she painted for herself. Giving some advice is only going to work if they are open to receiving it and that can only happen if they know where they would like to be at the end of the journey.
I remember a friend of mine that was in a relationship that was unhealthy and truely stiffling her potentential as a person. Now I truely take zero credit for the choices that she made, but I do know and take pride in the fact that I was just there for her each week in that local diner where we simply listening to each other and encouraged one another to make choices that were best for us. For a couple of twenty- somethings meetings really gave us a better understanding of our lives and our direction. One weekly meeting at the diner resulted the same passionate, energetic, and enlightening conversation. I make my way to the restroom and when I returned, I returned to a woman who made a diffcult but necessary choice to end a relationship that was not part of the “future” picture that she had painted for herself over our many weekly outings.
Having a friend to sit down with over a cup of coffee who will not judge, but encourage and bring clarity to our chaotic lives is invaluable. You are not only receiving the support but it is also rewarding when you are giving it.
I always say that it is easier to see the big picture and the root of the problem when you are on the outside looking in, so having a coffee talk friend to help find and lead you to that clarity is priceless.
Your site is a perfect reflection of you and the person that I have had the privelage of knowing and calling a friend. I am happy to know that more people have the opportunity to share this side of you.
Thank you for being my coffee talk friend Liz. - Heather
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