HEALTHY CONNECTIONS HEALTHY MINDS
In any type of relationship, whether companionship, friendship or a committed partnership, it is crucial for the scales to remain balanced. This equilibrium is necessary for the relationship to succeed.
Where do we start?
In every relationship, my first step is to observe. I carefully evaluate the level of communication and connection before determining whether this individual is someone with whom I can engage in thoughtful and stimulating conversations.
I don’t have close relationships, but I am a friendly and easygoing individual who can converse with anyone anywhere. I attribute this trait to my beloved Father, a wise man who passed it down to me.
When initiating a conversation with someone, it doesn't always have to revolve around oneself or the other person. For instance, the topic might naturally gravitate towards the waiting time or the weather at a bus stop.
On the other hand, at a convention, the focus is often on networking and finding common ground to collaborate on a project.
In life, you will encounter individuals with whom you can effortlessly engage in conversation, sometimes lasting for hours due to the captivating and exciting dialogue you share.
I am fortunate to have a few extraordinary individuals with whom I can engage in deep, unconventional conversations. They know who they are.
We challenge each other’s perspectives and grow together through our discussions. These interactions leave me feeling uplifted and invigorated, filled with positivity and new ideas.
If you find yourself in a situation where there is nothing positive to be gained and the conversation is filled with toxicity, you may feel the need to quickly distance yourself from that individual.
I have unfortunately found myself in conversations with individuals who exhaust me physically, mentally, and emotionally. While I want to support and uplift them, I realise the importance of having an escape plan to protect my well-being.
Some individuals are solely focused on themselves and are not interested in listening or acknowledging what you say. They prefer to have a conversation all about them, showing little concern for your thoughts or well-being. This is when I tune out, and my mind wanders to other places.
Some individuals need help engaging in meaningful conversation due to their limited intellectual ability.
Some individuals may be shy and hesitant to engage in conversation for fear of feeling inadequate or foolish. On the other hand, there are those who lack education or knowledge but confidently assert their opinions without any substantial evidence or support.
I do not claim to possess all knowledge, and if I have not thoroughly researched a topic, I choose to remain silent rather than speak without proper understanding.
I am open to learning new things from individuals of all ages and backgrounds, recognising that wisdom and knowledge can come from both the young and the old.
I believe in fostering a supportive and respectful environment where individuals are not judged or belittled for their lack of knowledge or experience.
Communication can become challenging when dealing with someone who is arrogant and aggressive due to their insecurities. In such situations, it may be helpful to approach the conversation with empathy and patience, while also setting boundaries to ensure a respectful exchange of ideas.
Be mindful of how you communicate with insecure individuals, as they may misinterpret your words or intentions.
Being transparent and clear in your explanations can help prevent misunderstandings and foster better communication with such individuals.
It is not uncommon to encounter individuals who have reached a certain age but lack real-life experience due to a lack of meaningful relationships or friendships.
These individuals may struggle to take responsibility for their actions, which can make it difficult to form lasting connections and gain valuable life experiences.
Some individuals may put on a tough facade to appear solid and untouchable, masking their vulnerabilities and weaknesses.
However, it is essential to recognise that everyone has their struggles and insecurities, and being open and honest about these aspects can lead to more genuine and meaningful connections with others.
Acknowledging and accepting your vulnerabilities and weaknesses is a sign of strength, showing self-awareness and emotional intelligence.
It is important to recognize that even those who appear strong and assertive have their own struggles and moments of emotional vulnerability.
Discussing and addressing these feelings openly can lead to personal growth and stronger connections with others.
During high school, I was known for my quiet and reserved nature. I was never one to be loud or conform to the norm. While my peers were eager to grow up quickly, I preferred to hold onto my childhood innocence. I found myself drifting between social circles, sometimes mingling with the popular crowd and other times enjoying my own company.
I never quite found my place among others, always marching to the beat of my drum. I was never one to follow the crowd or succumb to peer pressure; I always stayed true to myself and did things my own way.
I was a conflicted soul, feeling trapped within the confines of my mind. I believed that life was not worth living if it meant conforming to the rules set by others.
I had a rebellious streak, despising being told what to do and finding amusement in getting scolded.
Despite this nature, I managed to stay out of trouble and simply existed in my solitary world.
I used to keep to myself, almost invisible to those around me. It's hard to believe for anyone who has known me in the past twenty years, as I have since emerged from my shell and become a popular figure wherever I go.
As I grew older, I gained confidence in being more outgoing and supportive of others. By being friendly and uplifting those around me, I began to appreciate and like myself more.
I find that the most miserable individuals are constantly discontent, never satisfied with what they have and always craving more. They will stop at nothing, even if it means harming others, to fulfil their desires.
As the saying goes, "Misery loves company," and I can attest to how damaging it can be. I was once one of those people who unintentionally caused my sister years of migraines, and I had to apologise for the toll it took on her.
However, recently, I found myself in a similar situation and began experiencing headaches and exhaustion from listening to someone else. It seemed like I was receiving precisely what I used to give out.
I am genuinely grateful for the life I have today despite my health struggles. I feel liberated to be my authentic self when interacting with others, embracing honesty and truthfulness in all my interactions.
I refuse to align myself with individuals who fail to acknowledge their wrongdoing, and I have zero tolerance for any form of abuse towards myself or those I care about.
While I acknowledge that I am not flawless, I am committed to my ongoing journey of healing and personal growth.
I find contentment and happiness as long as I maintain my integrity.
In conclusion, respect, honesty, and authenticity are the cornerstones of my being. Without these values, there would be no equilibrium in my life.
I strive to avoid causing harm to others by distancing myself from them, but I also recognise the importance of advocating for my well-being.
In everything, there must be a balance.
Natalie M Bleau
Scripture of Balance
