friends – Sherri Ross

Tag: friends

19
Jan
2015

Ask yourself this question

categories: friends

I was recently on the phone with a friend and before we hung up, she said, “I have one more question for you.”

“OK, shoot.”

“How can I serve you?”

“What?”

“How can I serve you? I’m trying to make a concerted effort to be more conscientious and present in the new year. So how can I help you?”

I just sat there, a bit dumbfounded and a lot baffled, processing what she said while also trying to think of something. I couldn’t think of anything off the top of my head, but the question really made me contemplate. I’ve heard that question a million times in church (and the answer), but I’ve never heard it outside of that context. What an important and impactful question to ask a friend (or anyone really). I still can’t think of anything that she might help me with, but when I do think of something, I will know who to call. And I’m very grateful for that knowledge even if I never have to use it. The simple offer of help – for whatever I may need – was enough to bring comfort and a smile. I asked her if I could borrow it and she absolutely agreed. So, how can I serve you? How can I help you? What can I do for you to make your life easier? If I can’t do it, I bet I know someone who can.

12
Nov
2014

I’m not perfect

categories: bloglikecrazy, truth

If you thought Truthbook Tuesday was good, wait until you read this. Not sure what to call today’s #bloglikecrazy post other than CONFESSION. I’ve been crying for the last 2 hours because I feel like I failed a friend. I messed up tonight and, while it’s not the end of the world, it was big enough to totally undo any good tonight brought. I am not going to get into specifics for the sake of my friend (sorry to be vague), but I did not do right by her tonight even though my intentions were good and sincere.

I have a wonderful friend who I am extremely proud of. She’s overcome a lot of obstacles in her professional and personal life and I really look up to her and all she’s accomplished. Tonight, rather than listen to her and what SHE wanted on a matter, I took things into my own hands and thought I knew best. The result was less than stellar.

I feel horrible that I put this friend into an uncomfortable position, especially on what may have been a very special night for her. There are no words to express how sorry I am or how bad I feel for not listening to her. But lemme tell ya, lesson learned! When a friend tells you something, LISTEN!

I have already apologized and I know she has already forgiven me. But that doesn’t take away from the sorrow I feel for having put her in that situation in the first place. Please know that I never, ever want to do anything but lift my friends up and if I’m trying and you tell me not to, slap me if I don’t listen.

That’s my rant for today. And my apology. You are loved. ALL of you. And know that I only have good intentions!

15
Sep
2014

I want to be a better friend to you

categories: Life

With the sudden death of a dear friend and an even more amazing husband, father, and entrepreneur, I’ve realized that my friendships lack the quality they should. Growing up, I suffered from serious FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) and befriended every person within reach so I would always be included and invited. As the years have passed, I’ve learned to lessen my grip on always having to be involved though I still suffer from it more than I’d like. I’m also extremely nosy, but that’s a post for another time.

Now I have a trillion wonderful friends that I see or talk to in real life very little. Most of our interactions are, of course, via social media and email now. When we do get together it’s just playing catch up on the latest happenings in our lives. While I enjoy getting to catch up, I realize our conversations lack substance many times. They’re “superficial” to put it bluntly. I love being the cheerleader for my friends and raving about their recent accomplishments and milestones, but where are the real talks? I’m to blame as I always just ask what’s new with them. Why don’t I ask the harder questions? Why don’t we talk philosophy, religion, politics, life experiences? I’m not 100% certain what I want to ask or what we should discuss, but I do know it’s more than just what we did last weekend or our recent move. Don’t get me wrong, I love catching friends up on our lives and hearing about theirs, but where are the 4 hour conversations about life? When did we get too busy to waste an afternoon just waxing poetic with those we love about the world?

So be ready because the next time I see you, it may be a lot more than “What have you been up to lately?”

16
Jun
2014

this is just a simple song

categories: music, Uncategorized

For my friends who might need this right now. You know who you are…..

Simple Song by the Shins

Well, this is just a simple song,
To say what you done.
I told you ’bout all those fears,
And away they did run.
You sure must be strong,
And you feel like an ocean being warmed by the sun.
When I was just nine years old,
I swear that I dreamt,
Your face on a football field,
And a kiss that I kept,
Under my vest.
Apart from everything,
But the heart in my chest.

Chorus:
I know that things can really get rough,
When you go it alone.
Don’t go thinking you gotta be tough,
And bleed like a stone.
Could be there’s nothing else in our lives so critical,
As this little home.
My life in an upturned boat,
Marooned on a cliff.
You brought me a great big flood,
And you gave me a lift.
Girl, what a gift.
Will you tell me with your tongue,
And your breath was in my lungs,
And we float up through the rift.

Chorus:
I know that things can really get rough,
When you go it alone.
Don’t go thinking you gotta be tough,
And bleed like a stone.
Could be there’s nothing else in our lives so critical,
As this little home.
Well, this would be a simple song,
To say what you done.
I told you ’bout all those fears,
And away they did run.
You sure must be strong,

When you feel like an ocean being warmed by the sun.
Remember walking a mile to your house,
A glow in the dark
I made a fumbling play for your heart,
And the act struck a spark.
You wore a charm on the chain that I stole,
Especial for you.
Love’s such a delicate thing that we do,
With nothing to prove,
Which I never knew.

14
Nov
2012

I’m baaaaaa-aaaaaaaack

categories: goals

I know you were just waiting around for this moment, right? You’ve been up at night, not eating, not even able to work, wondering when I would make my return to blogging, right? I missed you too!

While I am not happy about missing a few days of #bloglikecrazy, I am very happy that I was away on a mini vacation with my wonderful boyfriend and some of my friends from Northern Virginia. My former boss (and one of my best friends and mentors) goes to Texas once a year with her family to visit a mutual friend of ours and catch a UT football game (former boss’ hubby is a huge Texas fan). They’ve done this the past few years and while I’ve always wanted to join them, something has always come up that prevented me from going. Not this year! Earlier in the year I made a firm decision that I was going (God willing). I was able to keep that promise to myself and met up with the boss lady and her family in Austin for a few days. I was able to see them for the second time this year and they were able to finally meet my beau. It was a glorious time full of Elmo, football, marching band, authentic food, boots, art, friends, and love. Elmo was a surprise that Daniel snuck into his luggage before we left. Imagine my surprise when I went to get in bed the first night at the hotel and found a bright red puppet in there! We decided to take him everywhere we went and tweet pictures of him along the way. You can find the pics on Twitter by searching for #elmovisitsaustin. He had a big time!

I’ve missed quite a few blogging days, but will be glad to extend my month for those days. I have enjoyed reading all the other ladies blog like crazy this month. I’ve learned more about my friends and what they’re passionate about in these past few weeks than I ever knew before. And I am happy (though not surprised) to find out we have so much in common – on and offline.

Today’s writing prompt was to set 4 simple goals for yourself for the rest of the year. Boyfriend and I have already started on this for ourselves and as a couple for the new year. But the #bloglikecrazy goals were geared more toward the remainder of this year, which I love. So, here are mine:

Work out AT LEAST 3 times per week (preferably more) and drop 1 pants size
Read The New Psycho-Cybernetics
Write 2 more articles for Magic City Post
Volunteer at least twice before the year ends (preferably more)

Those are my goals for the rest of the year. Do you have goals for the rest of the year? What are they? Post them in the Comments section and let’s share our successes at the end of the year!

Love yourself.
Find peace inside.
Share happiness.