I made a “pact” yesterday with my FRIEND, John.

John Lee Bartholomew Taggart is a young man (younger than both of my boys) who was born in England, teaches English in other countries, has seen more of the world than I daresay I ever will, and is a genius writer/blogger.

John’s recent post (entitled Old Friends (Ireland)) on Storytime with John struck such a chord in me that I had to comment.   John commented back right away :), and in five minutes we decided to make a pact.  The Friend Pact I’m calling it.

A 51 year-old lady from Mars, PA and a 23 year-old young man from wherever in the world John is at the moment have decided that we are going to not just be friendly to people.  We are going to be FRIENDS with as many as we can.

Just like the friends John recently met in Galway, Ireland.

Whenever you get to thinking how you can make a difference in the world….. or what your purpose is on this earth…..  start by simply being a friend.

It might be much grander than you believe.

Smile at a stranger.  Watch it light up their face.

Hug for hello and hug for good-bye….  And hang on.  Be the last to let go.

Listen to people with an open heart, open mind, and with all of your presence.  Your time and attention is a gift to the recipient.

Tell your story, own it, and know you are who you are because of it.  Don’t be ashamed.  Don’t be boastful.  Just Be YOU.

I have always loved quickly and easily.  I love to say “I love you” to my family and friends.

To me – everyone I meet is a friend (unless they somehow prove otherwise).  No proving your friendship here.  I accept you as my friend.

Are you in on the The Friend Pact my friends?  Let’s not just be friendly, let’s be FRIENDS!

Cheers & Hugs,

Jodi

PS  Marty has always wanted to visit Ireland, so Galway has moved to the top of my bucket list!  I hope to visit someday, and can’t wait to meet my friends.  🙂