All Blog Postings by Mary
The Power of Relationships
Archive notice: This is a historical post from Mary’s years of blogging. Some older posts may mention products, courses or shop items that are no longer available, as Mary now focuses her time and energy on supporting widows inside her private Facebook community. The guidance and stories remain here as a free resource for widows.
For current ways to connect with Mary’s work, you can:
- Read her book on Amazon .
- Request to join her private Facebook group for widows .
Christmas may be over but our social life still has to be addressed. Relationship are not just knowing how to manage one on one but also knowing how to be part of a group.
Do you find it hard to exercise on your own? You might find it easier to join a scheduled class where you’re involved in something bigger than yourself.
We are not designed to celebrate alone. If you’re not already part of at least one supportive group – family, friends, coworkers, church etc. – than create one. Look for people with positive energy, ideas and different points of view. Bring them together with a common interest and see where the discussion leads.
Create a group of caring friends around someone you care about who needs support or help. Take turns phoning, visiting or doing errands. Gather together to share a meal and in so doing show how much they mean to you.
There is nothing so powerful that getting together with a group of close friends and sharing some laughs. Exchange stories, give encouragement, swap ideas and challenge each other.
Never stop making new friends to hang out with, share your serious side but also just embracing that silly part of us that hopefully we never outgrow.
I know that life is better when you share it and cherish your relationships. I also know that it gets even better the more you expand your group of friends.
It’s a girl thing because we women respond to stress by connecting and communicating with friends and family. That’s how we calm ourselves, get things done and survive in times of trouble.
For anyone who could use a hug, a good laugh or a push in the right direction, there’s power in groups. Start one and see just how far you can go. Don’t let the group go too long without getting together, argue, be too timid to challenge each other or be reluctant to tell the whole truth.
The goal in groups is to create an atmosphere of trust so that you can communicate more authentically. If you feel that you have something to say, first take time to really listen to others and then give only compassionate feedback. To hear each other we need to listen with deep caring and new ears.
For more on Relationships take a look at my Guide # 3 - "Our Relationships - How Do We Keep Them Healthy?" You will find it on the website "thesisterhoodofwidows".