Relationships are a big part of living a more intentional and purpose-driven life.
We are social creatures and we need other people around us to feel happy and complete.
That means creating purposeful and meaningful relationships with family, friends, coworkers, and acquaintances.
All relationships are important. But the ones that will have the biggest impact on your own personal life are family and close friends.
That’s your starting point. These are the people who mean the most to you and often the ones you spend a lot of your time with.
Work relationships are also important, they don’t have to be quite as deep and meaningful. As long as you communicate well with your coworkers and boss for example and you get along o.k., you’re good to go.
The stakes go up with your best friend, your spouse, or your grandma. Working to make those relationships more meaningful relationship can have a huge impact.
Be Intentional In Your Relationships
Your starting point in the process is taking a look at where you are right now. and then figuring out where you would like to be.
Do you want a more intimate relationship with your spouse? Do you want to be closer with your kids and have them open up to you? Do you want to have a more relaxed relationship with your book club friends?
Answer those questions and you’re closer to more purposeful and intentional interaction.
Don’t Like Something? Change It
Most relationships aren’t perfect. Some are downright awful. While we can’t change people, we can change our relationship with them.
Sometimes that means setting boundaries. Sometimes, that may even mean cutting people out of our lives. Most of the time though, it means having open and honest conversations.
Work with the other person to come up with something that works well for both of you. Compromise and put in the effort to improve the relationship the two of you have for the better.
Good Relationships Take Work
Last but not least, I want you to realize that any close relationship takes work. It’s the same for marriage, relationships with your kids, or staying close to your best friend.
If you get lazy and start taking these ties for granted, they’ll wither and die. Don’t let that happen.
Instead, put in the work.
Get up early. Go for a run with your husband. Spend time talking to your kids over dinner instead of plopping down in front of the TV. And make time to hang out with your friends.
Be intentional about your relationships. Do your part to make sure they stay meaningful and strong.
Yes, it takes time and effort, but it’s well worth it.
JohnK 6-16-2017
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