The Power Of Relationships

Each relationship nurtures a strength or weakness within you – Mike Murdock

Malnourishment

Physical malnourishment occurs when the body doesn’t get enough nutrients to support health and growth. The statistics around malnourishment in the United States alone are staggering. Over 200,000 cases per year! This deprivation is not only of enough food but also enough of the right foods to promote and maintain healthy organs and tissues. According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms of malnutrition include but are not limited to:

• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Unplanned weight loss
• Loss of focus
• Slow or stunted growth
• Overweight

Like nutrition, relationships are essential in life. They provide us with love, support, and companionship. They help us grow and learn and make life more enjoyable. Without healthy relationships, we are relationally malnourished. We suffer some of the same outcomes, such as slow growth, unfocused living, loneliness, and fatigue. We are strengthened through our relationships. 

The Necessity of Relationships

Similar to nutrition, the power of relationships comes down to quality, not quantity. A plate full of food doesn’t necessarily equate to nutrition. Having many friends doesn’t mean we have healthy relationships where we can be authentic and vulnerable; trust is its defining factor.  There are many different types of relationships, but all healthy relationships have one thing in common: they are based less on control and more on connection and commitment. We feel a sense of belonging and purpose when we connect with others. We feel seen, heard, and understood. And when we feel connected, we are happier and healthier. Relationships change our lives for the better. They can help us overcome challenges, achieve our goals, and live more fulfilling lives. 

Relationships change our lives for the better. They can help us overcome challenges, achieve our goals, and live more fulfilling lives. 

This Month

How can we improve our relationships? This month, we will examine three simple ways to have healthy relationships by improving our relational strength.

See the value before you seek flaws (coming on Feb 13)

Nobody is perfect, but everyone has value. Often, we carry a vending machine mentality in our relationships, which robs us of the value of connecting deeply because we are more conditioned to see the wrinkles than the value. 

Be transparent and vulnerable (coming on Feb 20)

Nothing enhances a relationship like transparency. It means being open and unashamed instead of afraid and hiding. When we choose the former, we become more inclined to deepen what exists, but the latter creates walls of separation and mistrust, which eventually leads to a closed relational account. 

Exceed expectations (coming on Feb 27)

Don’t be a bare minimum participant in a relationship. Go over and above regarding what you contribute, even when you aren’t recognized or appreciated. Don’t let a lack of acknowledgment suffocate your excellence and generosity. Give your highest and best each time without holding back.

Final Thought: We were created to be in relationships, to interact with each other, and to grow by adding value to each other. By improving your relational strength, you will foster an environment for healthier relationships.