Build Healthy Relationships

 1.    Build Healthy Relationships

✏️ Worksheet: Strengths & Challenges in Relationships

Message/meaning for the chapter:

Relationships are complex and fascinating. Miscommunication and misunderstandings are the fodder for romance novels and Christmas movies that often mirror reality. Relationships are the network that holds us together as families, friends, coworkers, and communities. We often take our relationships for granted until a crisis interrupts our lives and wakes us up to the fact that we are not acting alone, and we need other people in our lives. When we find ourselves in the middle of a major transition at work, school, or in our communities we feel an urgent need to find out what support system we have. When we suddenly realize that our relationships are the only lasting things that we have in this rapidly changing world, we may find that we lack the skills to create these important relationships. 

 

We will be taking a dip into a complicated subject with some fun ways to communicate and get to know yourself and people in your life. If strong emotions come up as you work through this content, if you have intense relationship conflicts and misunderstandings, or if you have past trauma, depression, or cultural conflicts, or something else that causes distress, you may need to consult a medical or therapeutic professional.

 

Lasting relationships don't just happen. Relationships need to be nurtured; they can't be forced. It takes courage to give of yourself without expecting equal value in return. Learning about yourself and exploring new relationships with others is an adventure with unlimited possibilities. Only you can design your life to include time for relationships.

 

It takes two to create a strong bond. If anyone in the relationship breaks the bond, the relationship won’t last.

 

It takes time and emotional energy to develop meaningful relationships. We know they are important but often expect they will just happen without making the investment like deposits in a bank account. What can you do to start building relationships? 

 

§  In person relationships are the most healing, but phone, mail, email, and social networking with like-minded people can also be helpful.

§  Take small risks in relationships to test the waters and see if you feel safe. Share something small and see if the other person is willing to share something. Be supportive of someone else. Whether it is in person or electronically, use trusted channels to meet people.

§  Join a church, support group, community organization, or volunteer your time. Healing others is a great way to heal your self.

§  Do something creative that you can feel a sense of accomplishment. Use your hands, exercise, make something, and give to someone else.

§  Show gratitude to someone in person, writing, or email (even if you don’t give it to them.) Gratitude in itself is important for personal healing, but sharing your gratitude with someone else whenever possible is even more powerful.

 

Take inventory

Make a list of significant relationships in your life.

Next to their name note if they are:

·      Coffee shop friends

·      Work relationships

·      Someone you could talk to when you have a problem

·      Someone you could call anytime you need to talk

 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Strengths & Challenges in Relationships

  Strengths & Challenges in Relationships a.      Nurturing Healthy Connections b.      Adding Contrast for Growth c.      ✏️  Worksheet: Strengths & Challenges in Relationships   We connect with each other through our similarities and harmonize our colors, but contrasting colors add interest. Take inventory Make a list of significant relationships in your life. Next to their name note if they are: ·        Coffee shop friends ·        Work relationships ·        Someone you could talk to when you have a problem ·        Someone you could call anytime you need to talk   Relationships are the network that holds us together as families, friends, coworkers, and communities. We often take our relationships for granted until a crisis interrupts our lives and wakes us up to the fact ...
Read more

Challenges in Relationships

  Challenges in Relationships Color needs Pull out VPC descriptions Challenges Challenges come in many different forms. You can feel challenged physically, emotionally, spiritually, culturally, or by your environment. You can be on top of the world one day and then find your self-esteem, motivation, or energy whittled away without ever realizing what happened or why.    Things that we recognize as challenges or that are recognized by our culture, family, and community seem to be the easiest to conquer. These are the things we can talk about, find support for, and sometimes find resources for healing. But even gut wrenching losses that lead to grief or poverty are acknowledged and then swept under the table. An occasional glimpse is acceptable, but going all the way under to feel what you feel is often frowned on.   Some of the things that are often less apparent are losses such as: Loss of relationships, loss of expectations, financial losses, and job losses to name ...
Read more

Coping Styles

  Coping Styles in Color When someone is experiencing on going or past trauma, they might take on the Green Bean characteristics to protect themselves. The green bean has an outer shell to protect the sensitive inner feelings and wisdom.   The connection of the Red Tomato characteristics would be helpful to develop for giving a sense of belonging that we all need. Purple Carrot rootedness can give us a sense of safety. We might find safety in saving money, having investments, or a home that feels secure especially in times of uncertainty. Cultural traditions from the past or current family can bring warmth and a sense of security. The action, fun, and movement of the Orange Carrot can bring health and vitality especially in times of stress. The orange experiencer responds to their senses and acts in the moment with action and energy. They are spontaneous without always looking at how their actions will impact the future. An out of esteem orange may procrastinate, have obnoxiou...
Read more