Over my life I've experienced a great many relationships. These relationships fit into the broad categories of family, partnerships, colleagues, neighbors, and friends. Throughout my life, I would say that I was too busy too often. And to be too busy is often not the best stage for healthy relationships. Yet, while too busy, I did prioritize a few relationships, and those relationships are thriving. Good relationships require time.
The busyness of my life was simply a matter of where I fell in the family line-up, my interests, and my will to do what I could to make a good life and take care of my family. There was never the opportunity to slow down and still achieve that which I desired which was a warm, welcoming home, loving family, and opportunity for my children. That required the busyness I chose and was immersed in.
Now with the luxury of time in a space where I am not too busy, I am thinking about how I will renew some of the relationships I have as well as nurture a few new relationships.
First, I want to think about what those relationships mean to me and how they have changed over time. I also want to think about what's ahead for us, and what will serve us as friends, partners, family members, or neighbors best.
Of course, the extenuating circumstances of COVID-19 during the cold, winter months challenge this renewal somewhat--in many cases, we can't simply meet for dinner or enjoy a show together. Often "getting together" today means a phone call, ZOOM, or a walk outside. I'll be glad when we can visit in each other's homes, at restaurants, and in museums and other venues in the not too distant future.
But for now, I'm going to spend some time thinking of my good companions near and far--remembering the many good times and laying a path for our future companionship. Too often in the past, I didn't give the relationships outside of my core family group as much thought or attention as is desireable when it comes to nurturing what we have and what we can do for each other. I look forward to this somewhat new journey in life, and I am grateful for the time to embark on this quest. Onward.