First, we need to forgive. When I was in college, I was stressed out about 85% of the time. I habitually procrastinated on my schoolwork and combined with my AIM and Facebook obsessions, I was almost always overwhelmed with work; not to mention my extra-curricular activities. It’s important to forgive ourselves for all those times that we put our jobs, schoolwork or other commitments and habits before friends and family. No one can change what has happened in the past so it’s best to focus less on what could or should have been done. Instead we should work on what can be done now to strengthen our relationships today. Let go of the past and look forward.
Realize that keeping in touch with people does not have to be an overwhelming task. I used to feel like I had to call my whole family every day and visit close friends all the time but realistically that is not possible. It may not be feasible to keep in touch with everyone we are close to every single day and that is okay, but every little bit counts. For instance, if you know a friend’s birthday is coming up, send an e-card, leave a sweet or silly voicemail, or make a card to give to him/her. If you know a special day for someone is coming up like an audition, interview, anniversary or the like, you can write a short note or e-mail of encouragement in between a break at work or class or give the person a call when you get home from work. Short notes, text messages or e-mails can take anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes to compose and that may be all you need.
Our responsibilities are important because they pay the bills, may eventually result in credentials to add to our resumes or help us to become more intelligent, creative and fulfilled individuals. However, as humans we are meant to be around people, and meant to have and cherish our relationships. It is essential to work on being better individuals and it is sometimes necessary to set aside alone time to reflect and relax. However, a lot of what makes us better people comes from our experiences with those around us.
We cannot always know what people may be going through at any given time. A smile, thank you card, an e-mail just saying we’re thinking of someone, a few hours to just hang out or a phone call may be what is needed to give a person hope or make him/her feel special. And who knows, we may feel better after doing one of those things. We can be successful, SASSY and have great relationships, sometimes we just have to make time for it all.
-Rox
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
I really appreciated this. It’s so true, and after you’ve gotten those “why dont you ever call me?” phone calls from the entire family, “I’m busy” doesn’t cut it anymore.
What you have expressed is absolutly correct. But, a really good friends don’t need to be contacted everyday. They understand the rat race of trying to fit a full life into 24 hours because they’re living in the same crazy got to get it all done zone as you. So, when you do talk with these good friend you pick up where you left off, update then later til the next time….. That’s what makes good friends so special…They get it.
What you have expressed is absolutly correct. But, a really good friends don’t need to be contacted everyday. They understand the rat race of trying to fit a full life into 24 hours because they’re living in the same crazy got to get it all done zone as you. So, when you do talk with these good friends, you pick up where you left off, update then later til the next time….. That’s what makes good friends so special…They get it.