I grew up watching the “Anne of Green Gables” series of films. They are still a favorite and I enjoy revisiting them often. I also enjoyed the books by L.M. Montgomery, which the films are based on.
One of the main storylines of the film is the friendship between Anne and Diane. Although it is a humorous and tumultuous relationship, the women find kindred spirits within each other.
I’ve always defined a kindred spirit as someone who you “just click with.”
In the past two years, I’ve met so many kindred spirits in Pearl River County whom I’m glad are now my friends, which makes goodbyes much easier, because I know we will remain in touch.
For me, after having been “burned” by phony friends, I instantly built a wall around my heart.
But, I’ve learned that taking such a drastic action often causes people to think you are not interested in getting to know them.
Being shy and sometimes timid does not help, but I’ve learned to work through my fears and greet people with a smile and conversation.
And you know what? It works. I found a quote that describes my feelings perfectly, “the energy we put out, is the energy we get back.”
Do I always put out positive energy? No. There are times when my mind or the current situation just won’t allow me to do so.
But, if I had not taken that leap of faith and smiled or struck up a conversation, I never would have became friends with people like Mr. Al, a Pearl River County resident I have often spent my lunch hour with at a local gas station.
He is a humorous man and we like to discuss my staff columns, among other things.
He is a kind man whom I’ve come to cherish as a friend. I will miss our conversations, his laughter and all those nutcracker jokes we like to make.
Mr. Al is just one of many friends I have made here and hope to continue a friendship with. So, in essence, it’s not ‘goodbye’, but just ‘see you later.”’
“Kindred spirits are not so scarce as I used to think. It’s splendid to find out there are so many of them in the world.” – From “Anne of Green Gables.”