Personal relationships are the fertile soil from which all advancement, all
success, all achievement in real life grows.~~Ben Stein
All learning happens within the context of relationships.
Whether it is learning to read, ride a bike, shoot some hoops, or bake your
first batch of cookies chances are you would not have felt safe enough to take
the risk had you not had a trusted relationship with the teacher of the skill.
Relationships come in all shapes, sizes and levels of depth;
they can be classified as healthy or not so healthy, positive or negative.
The following characteristics define healthy relationships:
- · Respect
- · Reciprocity
- · Open communication
- · Supportive interactions
- · Honesty
So conversely, those characteristics that oppose these are
considered indicators of unhealthy relationships.
In my life, I have had good relationships and bad. Both
kinds have taught important life lessons.
Some relationships find you when you
least expect it…that is the story of my husband and I. When we met, I had just gotten home from
being gone for a while and I met him at my new job. I knew at first we would be good friends, but
now 20 years later we are best friends; he complements me in every way. We have so much fun. He has
been the most amazing supporter I have ever had, and without him the dream of
completing my master’s would be just that—a dream. Thank you baby, I love you!
Hi Davey,
ReplyDeleteI think it's great that you pointed out all of the different kinds of learning that happens in the context of relationships. You brought me back to my childhood when I learned how to bake, sew, ride a bike, etc., and you are right, I would not have taken the risk had I not had the trust and depth of relationship with the teacher of the skill. It also reiterates how parents and family members are the child's first teacher, and continue to be throughout a child's life.
Your post also made me realize how lucky I am to have the love and support of my husband and family in this journey to earn my master's degree... you are right when you say that without their love and support it would be just a dream.
It also made me realize how some life lessons are the ones we learn the hard way, from relationships or events that did not go so well.. they are often the ones we remember the most, and resolve ourselves not to repeat!
Keep up the good work, it's great to have you as a classmate again! I love learning from colleagues who have been working in the field for a while, it helps when confronting new or difficult situations!