Chrysalis Whisperer E* Bouquet Issue #1
February 14, 2012

Such a lovely sentiment, and isn't it wonderful to have such friends! It's great to be able to experience this sort of love. Not romantic love, but the kind of love that helps us to feel supported and self-assured, even when times get challenging.

Another version of this quote begins with, "Oh, the comfort - the inexpressible comfort of feeling safe with a person - having neither to weigh thoughts nor measure words, but pouring them all right out, just as they are." Sometimes it's attributed to George Eliot, and sometimes her contemporary, Dinah Maria Craik.

While it's an interesting question to wonder about the origin of the idea and how the same words are cited as being penned by either of a couple of Victorian era Englishwomen or whether it's an Arabian proverb. What really matters is, what does it take to provide such an ear for those we love.

Once I shared this quote with a friend of mine because she has such an ear. An ear, as they say, that opens mouths. While we stopped to discuss the above conundrum, what really mattered was that it meant quite a bit to acknowledge the support she provides for me and for others.

While Valentine's Day has long been considered a day for lovers, it seems like a great idea to give equal time to the love of true friendship, and to spend some time today appreciating our friends and our families in addition to those who kindle our romantic imaginations.

I discovered this tree at our campsite on an overnight hike through the Paintbrush Divide in the Grand Tetons. It's amazing to think that this tree, which once towered over its neighbors, is now living thanks to the support of those nearby trees. Without them there to prop it up, this tree would have lost its root base completely and therefore would have perished. With the help of these other trees, it is able to keep itself connected to the earth for vital nourishment.

Sometimes we need to be there for the people in our lives. And sometimes others are there for us.

Bill Withers put it this way:

Lean on me when you're not strong
And I'll be your friend
I'll help you carry on
For it won't be long
Till I'm gonna need
Somebody to lean on.

What makes some friendships so precious?

Some time ago, I heard a story about two friends who had all sorts of adventures together. On one occasion, while hiking in the mountains, one friend saved the other from falling down a steep ravine. The rescued friend, relieved, had a stone carver mark the spot by carving the story into a nearby boulder for all to see.

Some time later, the two quarreled over something and didn't speak for days. The friend who had earlier had been rescued went out to the beach and wrote the nature of the quarrel in the sand. When asked for an explanation, the friend said that the good things that happen between friends are the things that should never be forgotten while the squabbles and misunderstandings are best written in the sand, to be forgotten in time. So may it be for you and for me and for the dear ones in our lives.

Sometimes it is the difficulty that becomes a crucible; a forge for strong friendships. There are those friendships we have when times are easy. And then there are those friendships which survive misunderstandings, squabbles, hard times. Those are the friendships worth celebrating. May we all find some time today to express our gratitude to such friends, family, and colleagues.

"It is a curious thought, but it is only when you see people looking ridiculoust that you realize just how much you love them." ~Agatha Christie

You know you’re in love when you don’t want to fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams. ~Dr. Seuss

Dear Ones,

Greetings and welcome to Issue Number One!!! You are among the select few who will be able to say you got in at the very beginning of this project. You also have the opportunity to be the first among your friends to know about a good thing.

For years now, I've been compiling all sorts of "goodies." Poems, stories, quotes, anecdotes. Sometimes I sprinkle them into emails to friends. They have told me that my emails have been like an e-bouquet and that my notes to them have often helped them to turn around a difficult day.

So I'm offering up weekly word bouquets, woven especially for you and the people you really care about.

According to the Nobel Prize Winning scientist Daniel Kahneman, each day we experience approximately 20,000 moments. How we are doing physically, emotionally, and financially depends upon the ratio of positive to negative moments.

What kinds of moments do you want more of?

Experts who have written about happiness have suggested that we infuse our days with positive thoughts. Intentionally.

That's where being on my mailing list comes in. It's free and easy to sign up.

The good news is that because this comes in email form, no paper is wasted. I don't know whether you'll want to read what is offered right away, or whether you will save it for a particular time in your week. Imagine how much more you could enjoy your days by peppering your future timeline with opportunities to think anew. It could be like stopping to drink from a cool mountain stream on a long and arduous hike. Or maybe you'll want to relish these words at the end of a long day.

Or are you someone who awakens early, and likes to begin your days on a positive note?

People who might benefit from these letters from the heart don't need to be local. You can sign up from anywhere. In fact, I'm hoping that word will spread and I'll be able to communicate with people from all over!

What I don't know is if you're one of those people who likes to be in on a good thing. Have your friends remarked on how you appear to be a trendsetter? Do they compare you to the people described in Malcolm Gladwell's book on the topic? I leave you to decide whether this newsletter is something you see as a gift you've received and would like to share with others, I hope you will consider passing it on.

Sincerely,

Liz Towill
Chrysalis Whisperer