Relationships are a big deal in life. They're everywhere, and they come in many varieties: husbands and wives, girlfriends, parent-child, siblings, doctor-patient, and bosses and employees. Wherever there are people there are relationships.
And then there's the biggest relationship of them all: The relationship between YOU and LIFE.
When I first started dating my husband, I deliberately made the effort to be at my best. Why? Because I was attracted to him, and I wanted the relationship to continue. I was kind, upbeat, interested, attentive, and generous. I was clearly invested in making this relationship work.
What if we were to treat our relationship with LIFE in the same way? What if we were to deliberately take the same effort and care for LIFE that we do for people we want to attract?
My own relationship with LIFE hasn't always been so mindful.
I've spent countless days complaining and whining about things I don't like or want. I've had days when I haven't been able to see and acknowledge the beauty of a sunset or appreciate the shade of a tree. I've taken for granted how my body has kept going despite the abuse it's endured. I've whined about rainy days, too hot days, and having to mow the lawn because the damn grass keeps growing. I've cursed at life for not giving me what I want. I've had fits of jealousy because I believed that life favored other people and not me. I've often felt bored and disinterested. And I've had moments when I chose to shut out life, because I couldn't bear the sadness.
Jealousy, anger, boredom, selfishness, un-attentiveness, ungrateful, suspicious -- these are not the ingredients for a healthy relationship. But fortunately, life doesn't ever jilt us the way a potential lover does. Life always reciprocates and continues to be there for us in some form, even though we're not at our best.
These days, I'm trying to be on my best behavior with life, in much the same way I was when I was dating my husband. I want to be kind, gracious, attentive, grateful, and trusting with whatever life decides to serve up on my plate. I'm invested in making this one work.
Who knows, this could be the beginning of a beautiful relationship.