What We Acknowledge Will Change Us
There is an African proverb that says "“If you want to go fast, go alone, if you want to go far, go together”
I have found this true in life and in business.
It should come as no surprise.
We were not designed to live life in isolation, we were designed for community.
While partnering with someone in life and business can be an enormous blessing, it can also be quite a challenge.
Even the best partnerships and relationships will encounter difficult times.
Hurtful words, missed expectations, selfishness, and the flaws that we all have as part of our human condition all play a part in testing the strength of our relationships.
While there is no silver bullet to ensuring a perfect relationship (as humans there is no perfect relationship - do not buy what Hollywood is selling). There is something that Susanne and I have adopted that has drastically improved our marriage.
We seek to acknowledge each other.
We ask each other how we are doing. We start our mornings with coffee and check-in.
We share our wins and our losses and do our best to listen.
When one of us shares an anxious thought, a fear, or stress, we acknowledge that feeling and emotion rather than try and fix it (Susanne is MUCH better at this than I am).
We also take time to express gratitude for all of the little things each of us do, even something as simple as doing the dishes or making the bed; we say "thank you".
In order to do this consistently, you have to notice, pay attention and listen. You have to acknowledge the full person that is on the other side of your relationship.
It becomes more about them and so much less about you.
We all want to be seen, heard, and acknowledged. Yet, it is often missing in the closest of our relationships.
Look for something today in your relationships that you maybe take for granted.
Acknowledge it to that person and express gratitude and share why you appreciate it.
It will change your perspective and will certainly change the health of your relationships.
On the journey with you,
Carlos
This edition was first published in The Life Design Newsletter on LinkedIn.