Self-Connection

By Angel Blair

When we hear the word relationships we often think about the connections we have to others. Bonds with our family, friends,  significant others, etc. So we tend to forget one of the most important but commonly overlooked relationships we have, and that’s the one we hold with ourselves. We work hard to maintain and foster the relationships that we have with other people in our lives, but the relationship we have with ourselves deserves the same attention and compassion. This is a concept that can get lost in the shuffle of juggling life’s demands, but it has earned the right to be found. 

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When Strength Makes It Hard to Let Others In

Strength and self-reliance are often worn like a badge of honor. For many people, especially those living with chronic illness or ongoing uncertainty, strength becomes synonymous with survival. It allows us to push through difficult days, but it often comes at the cost of deep exhaustion and a missed opportunity for connecting with others. Being strong and self-reliant is admirable, yet it can also make it harder to receive support from those who care about us. Letting others in and choosing vulnerability can feel uncomfortable or even unsafe when independence has become our default.

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Fostering Relationships Through Change

“Just when I think I have learned the way to live, life changes.”

– Hugh Prather

Relationships evolve throughout our lifetime in as many ways as there are people. Some of these changes can be great. But, like most things, it will more likely resemble a rollercoaster ride with ups, downs, and giant loops.

Even our relationships with ourselves are seldom linear. Periods of joy and contentment may be followed by phases of insecurity, and sometimes the way we talk to ourselves doesn’t help foster what would resemble a comforting relationship we would extend to someone else.

So, on this Valentines Day, how do we foster the relationships that are important to us? And how do we help our relationship with ourselves?

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Fortifying Relationships

By Stacie Prada

Some bonds can withstand extreme stress and grumpy behavior. Others falter with the slightest misstep or misunderstanding.

Sometimes I wonder where I stand with people I haven’t seen in a while. After getting divorced, I worried I was portrayed in a way that led people to judge me in a way I thought was unfair and inaccurate. When encountering people I haven’t seen in a while, I’m not always sure if their opinion of me has changed.  I cherish those who light up when they see me. My fears and insecurities vanish immediately, my entire body relaxes, and I delight in the reunion.

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