Sunday, March 13, 2016

Relationship Reflections


“Healthy relationships are a vital component of health and wellbeing. There is compelling evidence that strong relationships contribute to a long, healthy, and happy life”(Kreitzer 2015).

When I became a mother, my relationship with my child has become the most important relationship in my life. My son is my number one priority and he has changed my life tremendously. The love of a mother to a child is a love like no other. He has taught me the true meaning of love and how to put another human being before myself. I try to set the best example possible since I know that he is looking up to me. I nurture him and reassure him that mommy his here to love, guide and protect him. I am his first teacher and will instill morals and values in him so he can grow into a confident, well-mannered and successful adult.

Although I am a single mother, the relationship and the partnership that I have built with my son’s dad have allowed us to co parent successfully. We work a team to provide our son with optimal love and care. We are no longer together but we understand that our son is the priority and we have to be on the same page when raising him. We create a stable living environment that works for all of us to grow into a stronger family unit. My son is aware that his dad and I are friends and that we love him very much. I am glad that my son’s dad and I have realized that we may not have worked in a romantic relationship but we are better and stronger as friends and co-parents.

My relationship with God has grown deeper and stronger as I grew older. Since I was a child, my family has always instilled in me beliefs about God and that it is a spiritual being greater than us. I understood somewhat as a child, but as I grew older I developed a personal relationship with him. By attending church and reading his teachings in the bible, I have a better understanding of him. My faith has grown deeper and I know that God strengthens me. With his love, grace and mercy, I know that I can do all things.

My family help set the foundation for who I am today. They have equipped me with the right tools to successfully navigate through life’s challenges. My mother has inspired me to be the best I can be and not allow anything to stand in my way. My father has taught me how to love myself and not to allow anyone to validate who I am. My grandmother has provided me with a sense of security that taught me how to trust others. My aunts and uncles have given me life advice that I will always carry with me. My family is the core of my existence and without them I do not know where I would be.

My friends help keep me grounded. The relationships that I have developed over the years have taught me how to be a better me. My friends are loyal and honest and they will always “keep it real” even when I do not want to hear it. They help me improve on my flawed areas and help uplift me in the areas that I am strong in. They are always there when I need them rather it is a helping hand or a shoulder to cry on, I can always rely on my friends. My friends always know how to make me smile even when things are not going so well. They always remind me that “When life throws you lemons, just make some sweet lemonade.” I am truly grateful for those relationships.

The relationships that I have built with my colleagues have helped me grow both professionally and personally. Since I have recently made the transition from retail to early childhood education, working with individuals in the field has helped me learn more about the profession. I have had the opportunity to work with some amazing individuals who have a substantial amount of experiences and knowledge about the early childhood field. I have built strong relationships with my coworkers that allow me to succeed in the work place. We offer support to one another when needed and we work as a team to get things accomplished. Because of our cooperation and collaboration, we are able to maintain a high morale within the workplace. We are able to perform our job duties and carry out our responsibilities successfully. Without the relationships that I have built with my colleagues, it would be challenging to succeed at my job.

Last but not least, the relationship that I have with myself is very important to me. Learning about who I am and how to love myself, I am able to give love and show respect to others. I am able to accept others for who they are and understand their perspectives. I am able to be a loving mother, supportive relative, loyal friend and cooperative coworker. Understanding my abilities and areas of improvement help me develop into the person I am today. I am still a work in progress but with all of the relationships that I have created in my life have elevated me to reach my full potential.

 

References

Kreitzer. M.J. Hathaway. K. 2015. Why are Personal Relationships Important? Retrieved from: http://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/enhance-your-wellbeing/relationships/why-personal-relationships-are-important

1 comment:

  1. Tia,

    I never thought about the importance of the relationship I have with myself. While I am a very strong confident women, I still have my doubts and dislikes. But who doesn't. I also know that I am the only one who can correct those dislike and doubts. I also know that a positive relationship with those who love me and I love will improve the relationship I have with myself and others alike.

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