Relationships: Our Key to Thriving
I have been thinking about relationships a lot lately. Ones that I am a part of, ones I have been a part of, and ones I hope to find and nurture. Relationships are a common struggle for everyone, regardless of past experiences. Whether they are good, bad, difficult, or traumatic, each person faces challenges in their relationships, whether with loved ones, family, partners, friends, or children. Relationships serve as opportunities to get to know ourselves and our habits and patterns better. My best advice extends beyond just romantic connections. Relationships are key to our thriving, and how we understand and nurture connections with others has a great impact on our quality of life.
The Importance of Connection and Safety
It is essential to connect with one another and foster a sense of safety and comfort in our relationships. Many individuals have struggled to feel connected, especially in the aftermath of COVID-19. This has led to shifts in how people perceive their relationships and what they desire within them. A key aspect of healthy relationships is feeling safe. When we feel unsafe, we might react defensively or engage in unhealthy behaviors. I can see ways that I have done this myself. Are there relationships you have where you feel less safe, for whatever reason? If so, how are you showing up in that relationship differently than you do in healthy, supportive relationships? By understanding your patterns of thoughts and actions, you can choose relationships, or your reactions in a way that serves your highest good.
Deepening Friendships
Many of us have re-evaluated friendships in recent years, adapting how we relate to others. Start by identifying the qualities you value most in your close relationships. Be selective about the energy you surround yourself with, as it significantly impacts your well-being. Assess your current friendships. Do they elevate your mood and inspire you? If not, consider making changes to your social circle. Having a small, close-knit group of friends can lead to deeper connections, where open communication and resolution of conflicts are more manageable.
Accountability Groups:
I'd like to talk about the importance of accountability groups and specifically my accountability partners, who I like to think of as my spiritual running buddies. Almost 5 years ago, I worked with a coach at my old yoga studio and she had organized accountability groups. When I did not extend my contract with her, I lost access to my accountability group. I reached out to someone from the community who I knew shared similar goals and who leaned into the same higher knowledge and spiritual teachings. We were informal accountability buddies for some time, then I asked another friend if she would like to join the group. A book group and a few more friends later, that partnership has snowballed into the three of us plus a few other people checking in with each other EVERYDAY for almost three years. I will tell more of this story in a future post, but suffice it to say I would not be able to continue to grow, to challenge myself and make the gains that I have made without the wisdom, reframing, accountability, unconditional love and support of these amazing women. Accountability partners are more than friends. They are your intellect when yours is weak. Friends have vested interests. Accountability partners are grounded in a set of teaching and higher knowledge, they don’t say what you want to hear, or what they think you should do, they help you to see how your habits and actions are aligned, or not, with the teaching and your highest good.
I will talk about even more types of relationships next week and you will have a chance to reflect on the different relationships in your life, how you are showing up for them, and most importantly, how they are serving you!!!
