Relationships

Relationships empower us, give us strength when we are weak, show us how to love when we do not know how and make us feel a part of something greater than ourselves.

Where would we be without family, friends, amazing co-workers and people we are yet to meet?

Honestly! I do not even want to know. I believe relationships are what allow us to do amazing things with our lives. Sure! We have to take the initiative to create relationships and maintain them. Life would not be the same without loving and rich relationships.

I know this because at one time in my life relationships were not of the utmost importance. I thought I had life licked and did not need support from others. I could not have been more wrong.

This was one of the darkest stages of my life. I am so grateful to have climbed out of that hole, found a higher power, learned to love again and realized the importance of having quality relationships.

Today, I make the initiative, tell people I love them and give them hugs. I fill their minds with positive energy and as a result they come to me for advice, guidance and support.

Today, I realize the full value in my relationships and I will continue to invest in them. They are one of the components of my life that make me feel love, which is one of my top 5 values. Relationships are one of the means to feel love, share love and foster love.

How healthy are my relationships today compared to 12 months ago? I would honestly give myself a 1 12 months ago and a 7 or 8 today. Always room for improvement. Right?

There are some really simple things we can do in order to make our relationships richer than yesterday. And, guess what? They do not cost a dime. They do require you take some withdrawals from your love chest and invest them into others.

Here are a few things I have done to improve my relationships:

Communication: Frequent and honest communication with those you are closest to will allow your relationship to grow.
Kind Words: Using kind instead of harsh words is always best, especially when discussing something you may not both agree on.
Understanding of Others: Everyone has their own opinion. They own it, not you. Let them be with their perception of the way things are and accept it. Let it go!
Hugs: Hug some strangers. Lift up their day. You will feel better too. Hug your family more than in days prior. Share the love.
Smiles: A simple smile goes a very long ways. You can actually change your happiness one smile at a time, like I did :)

I hope this article motivates you to wake up and start treating others how you wish to be treated in return. The ROI equation works with relationships too. What you put in will determine what you get out. Are you putting the right stuff in? Are you yelling instead of resolving issues peacefully? Are you happy? Are others happy to be around you?

In the end, we only regret the relationships we failed to strengthen, the decisions we failed to make and the opportunities we failed to act on.

Don’t wait another day!

Summit as friends!
Scott