Part 1
During this quest of assessing our life balance we contemplate the quadrants of the Life Enrichment Matrix© as a means of pursuing growth in our daily life, as we improve the redundant patterns of our life.
In Mental & Relational Fitness we realise that in balancing our efforts, time and relations within Social and Family relationships, we build healthy and safe connections. These often end up being our support systems and life lines, but also the people we enjoy and share life with.
A factor that influences life balance amongst relationships is the quality of the relationships. The strength within our relational attachments has origin from birth and whilst we were growing up during our lifecycles, and often contribute to how we will connect with other people relationally. The quality of development during the stages of our life will also determine how we connect with people and if we live successful relationships in future.
Another factor that influences life balance amongst relationships is the decision of daily time management. As Rob Parsons rephrases, an old eastern proverb states “if you do this, you can’t do that.” He emphasises that wherever you are focussing on one side of your life, will ensure that you will not be able to focus on the other dimensions of your life, and inevitably someone or something will be neglected. Generally the challenges aren't from external conditions, but mostly from a hecticness which develops from inside. Should we balance our life we will spend quality time on the essential dimensions of life, but the contrary is also true, should we live imbalanced - we will neglect facets that are most important to us and contribute to the fulfilment of our life. Many exemplary people have felt remorse for not cherishing more time with their loved ones. One of the last comments read in Steve Jobs’ (Co-founder of Apple Computer) Facebook post, prior to him passing away, was that he regretted not spending more quality time with his family and enjoying precious moments.
The consideration of quality time management and relationship building evokes a sense of commitment and the accountability surrounding it. We have the power to control how we stand in relationship with people, and how much of our time we allocate to each priority. It is a mind-set and a decision each person takes responsibility for!
The Covid-19 lockdown gave rise to much intricate scenarios within families, as people were forced together 24/7. Homes also became workplaces, but in addition had to make space for “home.” Dynamics became quite challenging as the normal home, workplace boundaries were merged in the same environment. Friends and social relationships had to be maintained over screens, telephones and cellular phones.
As most people are recovering and reminiscing on the global Covid-19 forced social distancing, the first personal reflection and discussion in this series is on balance in the social and family relationship.
The following questions are aimed at assessing balance in social and family relationships. These questions are part of personal growth, designed to provoke a way of thinking differently and prompting the areas where a person should contemplate improving balance in their relational life.
Balance in Social & Family Relationships – S1-P1
How important are your family relationships to you? How close are you to your parents? And are the relationships healthy? Are you close to your children? Are your relationships healthy? Do the people that matter the most to you accept you? Are social relationships important to you? And are you satisfied with your social relationships? Do you have close friendships with people that you can be yourself? Do you have a good “reality-based” social network, in other words are you part of real-life social groups? Are you good at connecting with new people? Do you get along with your neighbours and other people in your area? Are you satisfied with your romantic relationship? How happy are you with the overall quality of your real-life relationships?
Rate these questions between 1-10 (where 1 is not good and 10 is very good) – do you have balance within your social and family relationships?
Consider your personal vision statement about about an area/s in your relationships that you would like to improve on. Note a date in your calendar about 30 days from instituting the relational vision statement, in order to facilitate accountability. Life balance is in your own hands!
If you have challenges in balancing your social and relational life, and the questions have revealed imbalance and points that you would like to work on and grow in – please have a chat with a JustLive coach and book a session!
Elvira
JustLive coach
Time and balance, the two most difficult things to have control over, yet they are both the things that we do control. Catherine Pulsifer
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