I often address how my definition of health is much broader than fitness and nutrition and how, to me, being healthy is all about quality of life. I feel as though one of the most overlooked but crucial aspects of a truly healthy life is the importance of relationships. In fact, I would even argue that how we relate to others is one of the most significant aspects of life.
I’ll be the first to admit that I sometimes try too hard to be self-sufficient. While it is certainly good to maintain a level of independence, I like to often remind myself that through the relationships in my life, I have been:
inspired.
encouraged.
challenged.
loved.
…and so much more.
I believe that we were created to be social beings – to interact with others, to help others, and to be emotionally tied to others. Yet, in the craziness of every day life, we so often focus on ourselves and ourselves only. What ever happened to being a team player? Whether it’s your family, friends, or co-workers, working together as part of a team is not only more efficient, but also so much more meaningful in the grand scheme of things.
I believe that every act of communication – even if it’s with a stranger or someone you’re meeting for the first time - is not a mere coincidence. It may not always be easy, but it’s important to remember that every social interaction we have can greatly shape our own lives and the lives of others.
To me, there is nothing more enjoyable than truly getting to know someone.
What good is being at your “goal weight” if you can’t enjoy social interactions and events?
What good is making a six-figure salary if you don’t have loved ones to share it with?
Sure, I’m all about being happy and comfortable with oneself. And sure, there are times in life where it’s okay to be a bit selfish. But I also believe that the we’re all in this together mentality is not only the healthier way of thinking, but it’s a heck of a lot more fulfilling too.
- Are you usually a team player or a go-it-alone type of person?
- Which relationships in your life are most important to you?
Love, love, love this! I can tend to be a loner but really cherish the relationships I have with my family and friends. I rely on them a lot more now than I did before.
Such a great post! Relationships are uber important and those with my parents, sister, Mr. KD and my closest girlfriends are my most cherished!
I agree-relationships are so important. As much as I like to be by myself, I really cherish my group of friends. I’d much rather hang out with them than go to a big party with people I barely know.
I’m definitely an independent person but I agree that relationships are *so* important. I think every person comes into your life for a reason and it would be a shame to not cherish it!
You are gorgeous and it seems that you’ve carried your signature pose with you since you were a kid - can’t stand the cuteness. Awww.
This was such a good post and reminder to us all to treasure LIFE.
I always thought I was a solo gal but I realize how much you can learn from others and they always seem to challenge you do try harder.
Great post! I def need my “me time”, but over the last year have squeezed my way out of toxic friendships that never benefited me in any way. I think i’ve finally realized having a few fabulous high quality friends is a lot better than a ton of friends that never meant much to me in the first place.
I used to think I was a person who loved to be alone, independent and didn’t really *need* anyone. That has shifted and now I find immense pleasure in having close relationships and people I can depend on.
Although I am quite comfortable being alone & enjoy ‘me’ time, I always make time for those I love… Hubbs, family and close friends. They make me so happy
I LOVE this post! Especially this part: “What good is being at your “goal weight” if you can’t enjoy social interactions and events?” SO TRUE. Relationships and happiness are so much more important than things like money or weight. Love you, dear
“To me, there is nothing more enjoyable than truly getting to know someone.” <— I 100% agree!
We so easily get caught up in our own egos that we forget how beautiful the world is, and the relationships we make with other people are the best part!
Great post!
While I certainly enjoy some old-fashioned alone time, I completely agree that we are all social creatures; we NEED each other to survive and thrive. I don’t know where I would be without the relationships in my life - both the major ones like with my mom and husband, and the seemingly less consequential ones, like with my co-workers. They all work together to make life worth living!
I love this! My relationships with Billy, my sisters, my parents and my close friends are definitely a priority in my life. Billy and I are about to start a marriage so that relationship has been at the top of the list.
I love this post. So very true. I am really really bad in this department. I isolate myself to one person then get mad when he doesn’t fulfill all of my needs -as if he ever could! That’s what friends are for…I just wish my girl time wasn’t limited to skype!!
SO TRUE. Though I’m a pretty independent person who likes my alone time, I tend to get depressed when I don’t surround myself with people I love. My relationship with my dad is the most important relationship in my life right now- he’s always been there for me, and really is my best friend. My mom is a little rockier. As I’ve gotten older, my brother and I have also gotten much closer, which I love. And of course, all my friends, blends, and the boy
Hope you have a wonderful Monday love!!
Love this post!
I just saw Gabriela’s comment above mine and I’m the exact same way! I’m really independent, but I occasionally find myself going through phases where I am *too* independent and I get really down. I’m going to try not to fall into that trap when I get back to school in September. It’s so much more fun when I surround myself with friends all the time!
Love this post!
I just saw Gabriela’s comment above mine and I’m the exact same way! I’m really independent, but I occasionally find myself going through phases where I am *too* independent and I get really down. I’m going to try not to fall into that trap when I get back to school in September. It’s so much more fun when I surround myself with friends all the time!
you’re totally right on about all of this and cannot agree more! i am a totally independent person, which can be good and bad. I have a hard time having others take care of me, doing things for me, etc… which can lead to a load of responsibility just for me! Not good at times. My most important relationships are my husband, my mom, and my best friend. Not to say my other family members aren’t important, but they are the strongest relationships I have!
You spoke the words of my heart, friend. I’m a super relational person and if relationships arent right, I’m a mess!! Nothing else is quite as important!
I really have a mix of the two. I enjoy my alone time (a lot since it is pretty rare) but thrive on relationships. My life actually is the happiest now after getting involved in our church groups and making so many great friends there. I love people! Blogging is great for that sense of community too.
This really hits home with me Gracie! In the last few years I have really kind of shut people out and become very independent and introverted. I think some alone time and independence is great and necessary, but I can feel a huge difference in my happiness and emotional health when I make time to be with my loved ones and appreciate my relationships.
GREAT post!
Great post! Thank you
Jen
http://jenslosinit.blogspot.com/
I guess I’ve recently become a go-it-alone person. When I first moved to NY with my boyfriend I left a lot of my close friends behind in MI, and when we started making friends together I was a little freaked out by all of our “couple friends.” I don’t have any close girlfriends here, but I have a lot of friends to go out with. Then I realized that’s just how it is at this point in my life and I should enjoy it. Blah, tangent! Anyway, thanks for the great post! Interesting things to think about for sure.
aww i loved this post. i totally agree with you, that we are social beings and created to be relational. i definitely have the tendency to want to be independent and not rely on anyone, but when it comes down to it at the end of the day, the support of other people is not something we have to shun or be embarassed about. in fact, i think it is the joy from conversations and time spend with people that really gives us energy and revitalizes us! i think it is important, especially when we are struggling, to really place ourselves in relational communities and not to intentionally isolate ourselves! ive been trying to do this more by committing to sharing a meal at least once a day with someone else, be it a friend or my family!
Whoooa you and I were blog soul mates (soul minds) today. In picking up and moving half way across the country I have TOTALLY realized SO much just how important relationships are. In doing so, I have really learned a lot about what kind of friends I have and just how special some of them really are to me.
There was a time in my life where it was all about how many friends everyone had. It was almost like a competition to walk down the hall in school and say ‘hi’ to as many passersby as possible. As I have grown and moved to many places and had many experiences, I am more interested in the quality of my friends. I have also come to realize that many relationships are not meant to be forever, but rather to get you through a time in your life or serve a purpose for where you are. When you move on, so do they. It can be hard to come to terms with that. For me, the most important thing is not to try and force relationships into something they are not meant to be. Another growing pain, but you’re better for suffering through it in the long run.
Love this - as always your blog continues to be a daily delight
Oh yes yes yes I am wholeheartedly a team player!! As much as I love doing my own thing at times, nothing means more to me than connecting with other people. Old friends, intensely close family members, coworkers, new acquaintances - every kind of personal relationship is so significant and vital to life.
I’ve found that at this point in life, living on the other side of the country from my family and relatives, I rely most heavily on my relationships with my dear friends day to day. They keep me smiling, laughing, having fun. But of course it is those visits with my family that hit the deepest chord, infrequent as they may be!
I just found your blog and I am definitely a fan! I tend to be very independent and go at a lot of things on my own, but I do enjoy working as a team player as well! The relationship that I cherish the most is probably with my mom. She is there for me through everything and is one of the most supportive people I know
aww i love this post!!! I tend to love being by myself, and can be a loner, I truly enjoy just spending time with myself, BUT the relationships I have with my friends, family and BF are like none other and I take time to cherish them each and every day!
so great. “no man is an island.” when i moved out of the states i really realized for the first time HOW important relationships are and how without them, life just isn´t enough. life is love! so important. and yet its amazing what unimportant things we let get in the way of our relationships.
I am actually really shy and would much rather stay home with a book and blanket than leave the house, but I know it’s so important to cultivate relationships for my health and well being. There’s nothing better than laughing till you cry when you’re with your friends.
First of all…I should probably know this but…where are you moving?!
Secondly, I didn’t add this in the post, but like you, I’m planning on making some “life changes” within the near future. So that is definitely where this reflection on relationships has stemmed from! I’m realizing that a) I may be essentially leaving the people I love the most but b) I’m really excited to meet *new* people and form *new* relationships.
I used to think I didn’t want to move because it would be scary/difficult to form a new group of friends. But like you said - I’ve gotten to the point where the number of friends I have just doesn’t matter anymore. I’d rather have a handful of quality relationships than be acquaintances with everyone in my town. In fact, I’m at the point where it’s those acquaintances that I actually want to get away from, haha.
Thanks for the thoughtful comment, blog soul mate
What a great post. Makes ya stop and think. I’m SO pre-occupied with work, my apartment, school, working out, etc etc etc. What am I missing out on with my friends?
“having a few fabulous high quality friends is a lot better than a ton of friends that never meant much to me in the first place.” <— absolutely!!