I make a to do list each night before I go to bed. I do that to prevent my mind from waking me up at 2 a.m. and saying, “Ray, don’t forget to pay your electric bill, crazy stuff like that. When I check those items off the list I’m not sure if it eases my mind or not, but I no longer think about it. What I remember about my day is the people I connected with. Each one has a story they want to tell and all I have to do is listen. Yesterday, Jody told me about a close relative who died. I heard about the cremation and memorial service. Corky told me about his hips and how badly they hurt and about his wife who has stage 4 breast cancer. He can’t have operation on his hips because he has a bad heart. Bob told me he doesn’t know how to cook and envies me because I do. Alice told me she is going on biking trip in Europe this summer. Each of us has a story that’s waiting to be told. When we listen to the stories of other people we gain deeper insight and compassion for them,
Relationship
Health Tips: A Healthy Personality Has Healthy Relationships & Empathy
Healthy Relationships & Empathy ~ A healthy personality has the capacity to form meaningful, supportive, and balanced relationships. A healthy personality has empathy for others, allowing for deeper connections and mutual understanding. Example: A person who listens actively to a friend in distress rather than immediately offering unsolicited advice.
Source: ChatGPT
Healthy Tips: Love Builds a Stronger Immune System
Stronger Immune System ~ Love and positive relationships can enhance immune function, making people less susceptible to infections and illnesses. The presence of a supportive partner can reduce inflammation and improve the body’s ability to fight disease.
Study Example: Research from Carnegie Mellon University found that individuals in supportive relationships were less likely to catch colds when exposed to the virus.
Source: ChatGPT
Healthy Tip: Relationships Matter Big Time
But prolonging your life isn’t only about physical fitness: a near 90-year-long study from Harvard University found that those who live happier, longer lives have good relationships.
Building a Relationship
When me becomes we, relationships work. Relationships often have bumpy stretches. Bumpy stretches are to be expected because there are two human beings choosing to be connected at a deep level. This requires each party to the relationship to yield part of themselves to the relationship. When we picture two overlapping circles it’s the area that overlaps that defines the relationship. The smaller that area, the less stable the relationship. The greater that area, the more stable the relationship. The size of that area is made up of what each party contributes to it. When both parties contribute equally there is an organic, life-like quality to it. If you’re in a relationship it might be a good time for a cheap date (head to a coffee shop) to talk about how your partner and you can grow that area that defines your relationship. Remember, the less me brings about the more we. Always check the balance issue. When only party contributes or contributes significantly resentment quickly builds. The same understanding also works in professional and friendship relationships.
A Friend ~ A Poem by Edgar Albert Guest
A Friend
Edgar Albert Guest
A friend is one who stands to share
Your every touch of grief and care.
He comes by chance, but stays by choice;
Your praises he is quick to voice.
No grievous fault or passing whim
Can make an enemy of him.
And though your need be great or small,
His strength is yours throughout it all.
No matter where your path may turn
Your welfare is his chief concern.
No matter what your dream may be
He prays your triumph soon to see.
There is no wish your tongue can tell
But what it is your friend’s as well.
The life of him who has a friend
Is double-guarded to the end.
Health Tips: Appreciate it All
Today’s Health Tip:
Show appreciation for the people in your life.
The more we show appreciation for the people in our life, the tighter connected we become to them. You’ll appreciate them even more when they have your back during a tough stretch. It’s really the simple, small things we sometimes take for granted or don’t recognize that need our appreciation. A neighbor moved my trash container from the curb to my garage area after the trash truck passed through. A simple act that needs a thank you. A friend text me a photo of a beautiful sunrise. That’s a double win, I got the beautiful photo and I knew my friend was thinking of me. That needs a response. It’s these small things that are the glue that hold us together. Let the folks close to you know how much you value them. It’s a big deal.
When Being Right May Be Wrong
YOU! Watch out for that word if you are trying resolve a conflict. When we start saying you when we’re in a conflict situation it’s often viewed as if we’re attacking the other person. Once finger pointing starts, the problem is forgotten and replaced with blame attribution. When the parties to a conflict situation can set aside “who’s to blame or who’s at fault they can focus on the real issues and collaborate to resolve them. I know it’s difficult, especially if we believe we’re in the right. Being right, doesn’t always lead to the best solution. Tell the ego to take a break.
Challenge Your Fears
What is one small fear in your life you can challenge today? Perhaps it’s calling a brother or sister with whom you haven’t spoken to in some time. Face the fear, kick its ass. When we face our small fears and challenge them, we become stronger, more resilient, and ready to face our bigger fears. Yes, it time to conquer our fears. Do it!
Family is Important
Family has always been important to me. It has given me a sense of place, love, joy, and security. My understanding of family has evolved. In one sense I have 5 daughters and their families. I live geographically apart from them, yet, we remain close. In another sense, I am surrounded by family. I consider my neighbors and friends as part of my family. Family exists wherever I go. Each time I make a new friend, I am building and extending my family. Being part of a family is important as we navigate our journey. We can all be family builders. It takes effort to reach out. It takes a certain sense of vulnerability and courage. The benefits are well worth the effort.
