“…the need of strife; to struggle to be freed from hard ground”

↓

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Why am I not surprised you showed up? Today of all days, no less.”

 

I’d just arrived at the back bar of the Goth club I irregularly but often frequented.

 

So stunned by her unusually confrontational tone, especially considering ► our past ◄, I didn’t even think to order my usual Jack & Coke with a splash of lime juice.

 

Instead, I narrowed my eyes -more in curiosity than hostility – asking the obvious question:

 

Why is that, Kiki [her nickname]?

 

 

 

She softened immediately, breathing more than speaking the words:

 

“Because my mother was just hospitalized.

 

And you’re the opposite of a fair-weather-friend.

 

You disappear when everyone’s life is going well but just happened to pop back in right after it turns bad.

 

And you help make it all better.

 

I guess you’re a rainy-day-friend.”

 

 

 

We laughed.

 

Especially so, given our black-draped, dirge-rock-echoing surroundings.

 

The night went on and was its usual pleasure.

 

But I’ve never forgotten her words.

 

 

 

See, one of the main reasons I dislike Facebook, specifically, and social media, in general, is this:

 

It gives no chance for winter to come.

 

No moment for clouds to gather, for rain to fall.

 

It’s this constant artificial environment where relationships long outlive their expiration dates.

 

 

 

All too often, folks stay on it to “stay in touch with friends and family”.

 

When, really, they should let many (if not most) of them go.

 

If someone needs an app with countless in-built reminders to think of one, then that’s not a friendship.

 

It’s a mailing list.

 

 

 

Now, many will argue, citing man is a social creature and we all need a support network.

 

But I would point them to ► one of my books ◄ (and a second within the year).

 

Meaning most of these aren’t a support network as they know the person of five, 10, 15, 20+ years ago.

 

Rarely who one is currently.

 

Or, more importantly, should be becoming.

 

 

 

As a case in point, had I stayed on Facebook:

 

I’d still be trying to squeeze myself in the shoes I wore 15 years ago.

 

Rather than the comfortable boots I wear now. 

 

 

 

As always, dear reader, the choices are yours to make.

 

But I will humbly ask that you give this a great deal of thought.

 

Since I Truly believe:

 

God, Fate, the Tao – whatever you choose to term it – will place you exactly where you need to be.

 

And with who needs you most.

 

 

 

 

 

Ω