“We’ve got this gift of love, but love is like a precious plant. You can’t just accept it and leave it in the cupboard or just think it’s going to get on by itself. You’ve got to keep watering it. You’ve got to really look after it and nurture it.”
We don’t always need to find new things or new people to move forward in our life. Though ‘new’ anything tends to be exciting and often feels invigorating, I have discovered that in many instances, relationships right in front of us can be renewed and feel rejuvenating.
Not as simplistic as new clothes, home improvements, or other new things, people in our lives offer wonderful opportunities to feel refreshed and passionate. When you take stock of your current partnerships, whether long or short term personal or professional connections, there is probably great hope for improvement.
When I evaluate my relationships, I reflect on what I have been giving and receiving in them. Like some, I am quite busy balancing life and not the friend who talks with those I care about daily, nor do I see many of my friends on a regular basis. Yet, my most valued friends are those I can see or talk to after long periods of time and feel like we are as close as ever.
That being said, I have realized that both day-to-day relationships and ones that are at a distance can be improved upon. Reflection of myself helps me to see my own personal areas of improvement needed and those parts of me that have changed over time and do not seem to fit with current connections.
I use that evaluation as a guide post to determine how I can be my best self in relationships. It also helps me to be open to the realization some relationships are stagnant and/or have naturally faded over time.
Key points to the evaluation of your friendships include:
