Live-Large

Whether you are an extrovert, like my wife, or an introvert, like me, all humans share one fundamental truth: we are social animals.

While the number of intimate friendships or relationships may vary by person, everyone has a core of essential relationships. These are the people who will remain a key part of a person’s life for a very long—sometimes life-long—time. Parents, siblings, love-partners, children, and (on occasion) BFF’s—best friends forever—make up the core of essential relationships for every person.

Part of Living Large is understanding the role that essential relationships have in promoting a healthy, happy life.

Think of the psychological/emotional harm done when you lose a loved one through death or disagreement. The pain and feeling of loss can be devastating.

Or, if an essential relationship is withering on the vine because of a lack of care and tending, a void will open in your life where that person once held a place.

Essential relationships let us know that we are important, that we have a place and a purpose in life. Our essential relationships pull us from self-absorption to participation in a web of life and community beyond ourselves.

Our essential relationships provide a catalyst for us to be self-less and empathetic, which, in the end, allows for feelings of worth, as we feel wanted and needed.

But remember, essential relationships take work.

The life’s blood of essential relationships is the mutual effort of all parts.

So, how are you doing with your essential relationships?

~Are you spending time with each of the important people in your life?

~Do you work to create new memories and to live in the present?

~Are you giving as much as you’re taking?

~Do your special people know that they’re special? When was the last time that you told them?

~Do you thank them (and your lucky stars) for their presence in your life? No one likes being taken for granted. Gratitude goes a long way!

~Do you remember to enjoy your time with them? These are the people who make you happy. Let the happiness into your life. Realize just how much pleasure they can bring you

~Have you invested in reconnecting lately? Do an inventory of the last time you’ve connected with your significant others. If some have gone lacking, reach out. Take your special person to dinner or give that person a call.

It is important to know who these special folks are. Don’t be tempted to spread yourself too thin. These are the people you can’t imagine losing, so understand their special place in your life. When you’ve found them, never let them go.

Live Large!

Photo by: basykes