“Don’t walk behind me; I may not lead. Don’t walk in front of me; I may not follow. Just walk beside me and be my friend.” Albert Camus
Many of us have ambitions. Some of us are born to be leaders, to guide others, to guide an organization towards prosperity and greatness. Some of us are better suited behind the scenes, helping to chose a leader, then following to give advice and support as needed. Others, a special group, are content to be as we are; a friend.
No matter what the ambitions are, we need someone from that special group, to walk besides us. Someone we can share our innermost thoughts with. We need someone who would say “stop, you’ve gone too far”, or “yes, you’re doing the right thing”, or “don’t worry, we can fix it together”. Or simply to say “I’m listening”.
We need someone to walk alongside and listen, as we show our inner self, without rendering judgement. Someone who knows our darkest secrets and yet stays by our side.
For some, that person may be your partner, your mate, your love. For most, it’s a person you’ve known long before you met your love, and will know long after your love is gone. It’s a person you can tell your feelings to, without the fear of losing them. It’s the person you turn to when your love abandons you, when your love lets you down.
Nothing is more valuable in this world than a good friend. For those who have that person, you are among the luckiest in the world. If you haven’t found that person, stop looking. A true friend is not someone you look for.
A valued friendship is something that happens naturally, over time. It is different than love, where you need to present an image to find love. With friendship, being yourself is the key.
A friendship starts with someone you instinctively connect with and can freely talk to. Someone you’d ask to walk alongside you. Someone who does not lead nor follow you, but walks next to you. Someone you can be yourself with.
You’ll find that person when you become part of that special group, when you yourself, becomes a friend to someone.
Omar M. Kiam 