Relationship Reflection

“Some of the biggest challenges in relationships come from the fact that many people enter into a relationship in order to get something: they’re trying to find someone who’s going to make them feel good. In reality, the only way a relationship will last is if you see your relationship as a place that you go to give, and not a place that you go to take.”                               Anthony Robbins

Throughout my life I have experienced some relationships like the type mentioned in the quote above where it was one sided, where the person on the other side of the relationship was there for different reasons than how I intended. It takes experiences like those to make us truly understand the mechanics of how relationships work. I have had to learn and gain the necessary foundation skills needed to lead me to the path towards building healthy relationships. It is challenging to learn how to filter out the unhealthy relationships so we can make space for the healthy ones. The array of relationships that I have experienced have all been amazing learning experiences which has truly guided with helping me to unravel the understanding of what positive relationships are. I know that will still encounter these types of relationships, but now I am more empowered with tools to help me funnel through them.

     

                                                                                   

Relationships have been very important to me as they have made me feel valued and given me a sense of belonging. I have gained and developed so many skills due to the positive relationships that I have made. Over the years, the relationships in my life have helped to develop communication skills, understand how groups work, how to negotiate, solve conflict, give support, have fun and laugh. All of the skills that I have developed and still developing have had a deep impact with my current relationships. They have helped with making me a better daughter, sister, wife, mother, friend and colleague. What else could I ask for! I still have not perfected each relationship as there are bumps along the way, but now I look at these bumps in a more positive way. There will still be conflict, but I have realized that conflicts are a natural part to relationships. It is how we handle the conflicts that arise. Conflicts can be win-win, but it is being open to letting go and coming to a point where we can agree to disagree and move on in  a positive way. 

I cherish the array of relationships that I have and I work hard at maintaining them. Humor is a huge element that I bring to all of my relationships, especially my family. There isn’t one day that we don’t share a belly laugh as these belly laughs help us to stay connected and build positive relationships. My relationships with my husband and children are ever so special and we work hard as we take to time to connect, talk and listen to one another. Relationships evolve and change, but we need to work with the changes. Since I began working on my Masters, my relationships with my friends have changed. My friends know that this is very important to me and there are times when I might forget to call as I am probably busy writing a paper. They understand and support me and we try to make time for one another so we can stay connected. They know not to take it personally as this change will not affect our relationship in a negative way, but just altered while I pursue my studies. 

What I have learned regarding my own personal relationships has definitely been very impactful as my role as an effective early childhood professional. In this field, we strive to build relationships with the families and I have been able to take those skills and apply it to the families who I have worked with.  We need to build trust, be open and listen to parents in order to foster positive relationships. Some parents may address concerns they have and we need to be open, listen and use our communication skills. My diverse experiences with varying relationships helps with knowing how speak with parents and giving them time to talk while I listen. This shows that we value them as a whole. Together we come up solutions or strategies as this helps to be positive while working through conflict and make it a win-win situation. Taking time to work together builds trust and value which in turn results in healthy relationships.

I have been so blessed and lucky to be surrounded by so many people who have made such a positive impact on my life. I cherish each relationship and work hard in maintaining them. Although the array of relationships I have may be different, they have the commonality of trust and respect and  I value each and every one of them!