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We are born to live in communion with others. Humans crave relationships at multiple levels.
We crave a loving relationship with our parents. We long for a deep, sensual relationship with a significant other. We thrive when we have a multitude of other deep relationships with family, friends, and colleagues.
Relationships are important for wellness.
So important, in fact, that relationships is one area identified in the holistic health “circle of life.” We cannot be wholly well without healthy relationships. And, at the same time, unhealthy relationships can wreak havoc on our ability to be well.
This month is relationship month.
I got an early start when my sister came to visit (all the way from Sweden) for 10 days in late July. We spent a lot of time together, reconnecting and nurturing our relationship. Our time together included talking, singing, biking, playing games, preparing food, eating, washing dishes, and walking around town.
All simple activities. All contributing to strengthen our relationship.
I officially kicked off relationship month with a family trip to Northern Virginia and New York City.
Not only did we spend lots of quality time as a family, but we also got to reconnect with my brother- and sister-in-law and two wonderful nieces in Virginia and good friends in NYC. Even though travel is expensive and not very sustainable, we make it a priority to visit our closest family members at least yearly. With lots of Skype in between.
Family is special.
Present your family and friends with their eulogies now – they won’t be able to hear how much you love them and appreciate them from inside the coffin. ~Anonymous
After vacation, I headed up to Minneapolis for a three day intensive workshop to prep for my ACSM Certified Personal Trainer exam. I could have stayed at a hotel, but since it was relationship month (and I like saving money), I asked my cousin Hanna if I could come stay. For much of our lives, we lived on different continents. As of one year ago, we live a mere three-hour car ride apart. It’s been wonderful to reconnect with her and get to know her as an adult. On Saturday, we shared a wonderful Thai meal together and went for a long, leisurely stroll around a lake. Sure beats sitting in a hotel room!
As you can tell, I didn’t blog one iota during my time off. It’s difficult to interact with others when you’re staring at a screen…
So relationship month is already halfway done. What will I focus on the next few weeks?
- Nurture a loving relationship with my husband through increased intimacy, less nagging, more encouragement, and sweet surprises (he turns 40 on Friday!).
- Drive over to a new friend’s house for a hike.
- Contact an old friend and set up a Skype & Wine.
- Meet up with my “business group.”
- Ask my daughter on a mother-daughter date.
- Chat with my mom (we talk most every week).
- Connect with each of my four siblings.
- Help a friend (I’m confident that an opportunity will arise).
Over to You!
How can you nourish your relationships this month? Do you have unhealthy relationships that need to be reevaluated?
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