Thursday, March 28, 2013

Get Your Own Life First then SHARE it!


This topic is something that I've had countless conversations about and have found that a lot of people have an issue with getting to know oneself and being "alone." For most people the idea of being single comes with a negative stigma or connotation. More often than not, people feel that they HAVE to be in a relationship with someone and feel "depressed" when this is not the case. This way of thinking is dangerous and usually poses to be un-fulfilling either way because the individual has not gotten to the root of why they feel this way and usually feels unfulfilled in either situation. Individuals who feel that their life is "better" when they are with someone usually end up losing themselves in their relationship and lack a sense of identity. Now, I'm not saying that it's wrong to desire to be in a relationship because as humans it's in our nature to want to be around others and share life experiences with them. Yet, if your whole world revolves around being with another person or this "need" to have someone and even at the sake of your own identity, then what you're seeking will NEVER be fulfilled.

The real root of why an individual would feel this way is never addressed when they go from relationship to relationship. It's as if they go from one relationship to the other seeking fulfillment from someone who cannot give that them that and this is one of the biggest misconceptions when it comes to relationships. And, what we must understand is that true fulfillment comes from you being whole within yourself; NO one can make you whole. I repeat, NO one can make you whole!

The quote is so true and on point..."if you aren't happy being single, then you will never be happy in a relationship;"  It just will not happen. Being single allows time for self reflection, a building of self awareness and the ability to do things that you may not be able to do when you share time with someone else. In this time you are able to develop your own identity one which others will want to gravitate to and most of all develop an understanding of what you truly want. I've seen many people lose themselves in relationships...you know, people who get into relationships and you never hear from them until things fall a part. Or people who are attached at the hip with their significant other and you never see them alone. Or even people who have completely suppressed their own dreams or desires because it wasn't what the other person thought they should be wanting. This is not healthy and usually ends where one or both parties are no longer self sufficient and lack their own sense of self.

For me, I've never viewed singleness as something negative or something to be depressed about. I have and always strive to surround myself with positive people who I can enjoy life with; so it was never something I felt was a "deficiency". I am big on self-reflection and understanding oneself so I've always tried to understand how I can be better based on what was given back to me from the people in my life. The key thing is, YOUR own personal identity and who you are should be what attracts someone or others to you. If you're happy with yourself and when there is no one else around, then adding someone to what you already possess should be a plus. We should have our own lives in which others or someone would want to be a part of. If you struggle with this it is my hope that you will begin to focus on your own identity and self awareness. That you will get to the root of why you feel that you need someone to complete you. Ultimately, get your OWN life first then share it! I know it's sounds easier said than done, but really it's not. You have to make up in your mind that if you truly want fulfilling relationships, then you will have to be whole within yourself and make the right steps to attaining that. Take the time to know YOU...and watch the things you desire fall into place.

Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Is Silence Really Golden?


We've all heard the phrase that "silence is golden" and many of us have used it without truly knowing the meaning behind the phrase or it's origin. I was lead to look up the meaning of the phrase and found that "silence is golden" is a proverbial saying, often used in circumstances where it is thought that saying nothing is preferable to speaking. What this is saying is that in some instances it is better to say nothing than to say anything at all. But, is this really beneficial? Is silence really golden or can it cause more harm?

Have you ever noticed that silence can be so loud at times? How deafening our thoughts can become when we choose to be silent and decide not to speak? While choosing not to speak and even ignoring someone can speak volumes, it may not be the best way to communicate. Proper delivery of words can bring clarity, whereas silence can prolong confusion. Now, I'm not referring to arguments or disagreements when I pose the question, "Is silence really golden" because truth be told sometimes in a disagreement it is better to say nothing, especially in the heat of the moment. What I'm referring to are those thoughts that stem from ambiguity; the thoughts that plague and overwhelm us when things aren't very clear. In those instances silence can do more harm than good. Not only can this be dangerous in a relationship, but also in friendships and really any encounter with another person. As I mature and reflect on the many interactions i've had with others i've come to realize that choosing to be silent is not always beneficial and really is not golden. Silence when appropriate can be a great thing, yet when things aren't clear or we need a better understanding of a situation we must speak up and get answers needed. If we could all get to a place where we can decipher when certain ways of communicating are appropriate, then our interactions and relationships with others can be much more fruitful.

I hope that this stimulates some thought on how you communicate and how you can improve when it comes to knowing when to be silent and when to speak up.

Monday, March 25, 2013

What's Your Love Language?




A couple weeks ago I came across a post on one of my favorite blogs regarding the book called The 5 Love Languages by Dr. Gary Chapman. As someone who studied different types of communication (interpersonal being my favorite) I feel that understanding and being able to read the people in your life is imperative for having lasting and meaningful relationships. This is something that is important to me and something that I reflect on daily. Your love language transcends an intimate relationship...it's about what others do in your life that makes you feel most loved. In order for you to even begin to understand the love language of others you have to first understand what makes you feel loved. I took the time to complete the assessment and learned that my love language is quality time. For me, I feel most loved when I am giving and receiving undivided attention. You can find out your love language by completing the assessment here => http://www.5lovelanguages.com/.



Here is an overview of the book The 5 Love Languages:

Are you and your spouse speaking the same language? While love is a many splendored thing, it is sometimes a very confusing thing, too. And as people come in all varieties, shapes, and sizes, so do their choices of personal expressions of love. But more often than not, the giver and the receiver express love in two different ways. This can lead to misunderstanding, quarrels, and even divorce.
Quality time, words of affirmation, gifts, acts of service, and physical touch are the five basic love languages. Dr. Gary Chapman identifies these and guides couples towards a better understanding of their unique languages of love. Learn to speak and understand your mate’s love language, and in no time you will be able to effectively love and truly feel loved in return. Skillful communication is within your grasp! -Gary Chapman

The 5 Love Languages:

1. Words of Affirmation: This language uses words to affirm other people.

2. Acts of Service: For these people actions speak louder than words.

3. Receiving Gifts: For some people, what makes them feel most loved is to receive a gift.

4. Quality Time: This language is all about giving the other person your undivided attention.

5. Physical Touch: To this person, nothing speaks more deeply than appropriate touch.