As I have journeyed to understand mid-life transition, I found a lack of relationships to be a recurring theme for mid-lifers. People had spent time immersed in careers, kids, and other important things, but had neglected their relationships… and they were paying the price as they aged.
Regardless of where you’re at in life, you probably know you should spend more time building relationships. So, today is just a reminder. A reminder of what you get when you invest in people, not things. Simple Sundays are about focusing on the important, after all, and relationships are important.
Your Motivation
The most important thing to do for your health is to take care of yourself, which means considering your physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. The paradoxical thing is when we invest in relationships with others, we actually meet our own needs in these areas.
A recent study by the National Academy of Sciences (referenced here) found numerous correlations to our physical health and our relationships. In order to be healthy we need to eat right, exercise, AND nurture relationships.
This article summarizes some of the emotional benefits you receive when you have healthy relationships. You are better able to handle stress and if you double your group of friends, you get the “same effect on your wellbeing as a 50% increase in income!” Relationships = health and wealth.
Spiritual health is a complex topic. I’m only familiar with the Christian faith, which is all about our relationship with God and how to live that out with fellow humans. Regardless of your particular faith, spirituality allows us to acknowledge something bigger than us and this world, which can help us weather difficult times in relationships. This article states well the symbiotic nature of spirituality and our earthly relationships.
No Excuses
What gets in the way of you investing and building relationships? I bet you’ve said before, “I’m busy.” We’re all busy, but we find time for the things that are important to us. If you find yourself using that as an excuse for a lack of relationships, read this post. It isn’t being busy that prevents us from having time for relationships, it is a lack of prioritization.
Today, as you contemplate how you’re going to make Monday awesome, make a list of five people you’d like to build better relationships with. Call them, send them a text, or email them and set up a time to meet for coffee, lunch, a hike, whatever. They will appreciate it because chances are they thought they were too busy, too… until you asked.
Have a great week and enjoy time with others!
Brian