Best Friends!

As many of you already know, I am somewhat of a ‘dag’ and enjoying becoming more embracing of my dagginess. A ‘dag’ is an Australian and New Zealand slang term. According to the Urban dictionary the term ‘dag’ can be used affectionately or insultingly. On the so- called insulting side it can be seen as unfashionable, lacking style, or uncool. But, according to the dictionary there are also ways the term can be seen as admirable. These include ‘having one’s own style, not caring for public opinion, being outrageous, being a source of friendly amusement, being original.’ So, I am embracing being friendly, and more comfortable with who I am, embracing my human imperfections, without needing to hide them or cover up being uncool! This daggy work in progress is so liberating, relaxing and much more fun.
 
Recently I was saddened by the death of a long-time favourite singer of mine, Helen Reddy. I play my old scratched ‘Best of Helen Reddy’ CD all the time. Ironically, three weeks prior to her death I had rung and spoke with Jim at ‘Quality Records’ regarding ordering another copy of my scratched CD. He told me he would get me one, but explained it may take some time! 
 
Jim rang back with what he said was some ‘spooky news’ – spooky good, I think! The CD had arrived from the US on the same day that Helen had passed away. While waiting for my CD I have been enjoying listening to her on Spotify. I came across a song of hers I had never heard before entitled ‘Best Friend’! The words of this song had a huge impact on me and I have been sharing the lyrics for the past few weeks. Thankfully for all concerned I have been saying them rather than singing them. There are a couple of u-tube versions online. One of them is particularly daggy – it is from the movie, Airport. It has Helen Reddy as a nun seated on a plane with her guitar, singing “Best Friend’. I LOVE IT!
 
Here are the lyrics……
Best Friend
Helen Reddy 
 
Would you take better care of yourself
Would you be kinder to yourself
Would you be more forgiving of your human imperfections
If you realized your best friend was yourself
 
Who is always with you everywhere
Who is on your side when others are unfair
And tell me, who will never let you down in any situation
Who will always see you get your share
 
 
And that's why I am a best friend to myself
And I take me out whenever I feel low
And I make my life as happy as a best friend would
I'm as nice to me as anyone I know
 
Here is the Best Friend u-tube link if you would like to have a listen. The words for me sum up being a ‘kind encouraging friend to yourself’ or ‘your own cheerleader’ as a friend reminded me the other day! This is something I have been learning to do and I have been banging on about in yoga and elsewhere for years! 
 
These words also acknowledge, for me, both the divine and uniquely human nature we all have. They help remind me to tune into my Wise self, Best Friend, Buddha Nature, Basic Goodness, Love, Divine Self, Soul, or Universal Wisdom (whatever you want to call that, beyond words part of us we all have equally) to help out that uniquely human aspect we also all have! This assists me to embrace my human imperfections with kindness, encouragement, (to give courage) curiosity, (a form of compassion), empathy and compassion, just like a best friend! As Brene Brown says 'imperfections are not inadequacies, they are reminders that we're all in this together'. 

Having finished this blog, I am ‘taking myself out’ for a walk in the sunshine now. 
With love, appreciation and very best well wishes to us all 
Maree xx