I love the saying, “Life is all about Relationships.” To get us started and since I am such a slow learner that I need constant reminders, the dictionary tells us that relationships are connections, associations, and involvement. In life, we all need to make GOOD connections with those we love and those that just might help us find out WHO we are and what we are here for. (Try loving everybody and stop comparing yourself to them because they have their own problems.) That means understanding each other and getting along. DO IT in a spirit of; “what can I learn from this person?” That is much better than, “I am so much smarter or above this person.” (Does Pride ring a bell here?)
Most of us have numerous associations which may be our family, people we meet in our Church, our organizations and our career. (Faith, Family, and Career) Life can be joyful and fun with those relationships that help us along life’s journey. In the beginning, (hopefully) it is our parents, (that is why family is SO important) siblings and close family nurturing and guiding us. Then it builds by adding our friends, (go find some true friends and make them part of your family) coaches and mentors. Don’t try life alone! Along the way, we will hopefully run into those people that God puts in front of us for a reason. They allow us to realize that we are all connected in some way and that we each need to honor and respect those relationships. Yes, some relationships may be toxic and turn us into our shadow. That dark part of our soul where we need the help of others to show us the way. (You can do it) Try choosing new friends or hang around those friends that elevate you in a good way. That takes work and some of us are not willing to pay the price for fear of looking stupid. Accept who you are and love yourself in a healthy way. It is free so give it a try.
We all want to live a significant, joyful, peaceful, happy and satisfying life. What path are on you on right now? Where are you going? What positive goals have you set for yourself and your loved ones? Who have you chosen to help you along the way? (Who are YOU helping?) How are you using your strengths and navigating your weaknesses? First, we need to know both. We are all good at something. Find that something and be more intentional. Be careful of the blind spots as others may see you differently. That is OK…. Just be your best self and keep dancing. (Self-aware and not too self-conscious)
I have been studying a Pastor named Neil Kennedy with his “Daily Champion” devotionals for the last three years. He wrote a book called “Five Star Man.” (You can download it in a PDF file) He talks about the Five Passions of Authentic Manhood. (Check it out) He mentions that we were all made for a purpose. If you can gain understanding of your life, you will never again be concerned about the subsistence level of living. (Things that clutter our lives and get in the our way of really living) You will be able to focus on what really matters which is the purpose of your existence as an authentic man. (Or woman) But, you have to get involved with others to find it in yourself. Men need other men and women need other women that understand and appreciate us.
In closing, Kennedy reminds us of five distinct purposes of an Authentic Man; He has an adventurous spirit, Entrepreneurial drive, is gallant in relationships, faithful in character, and philanthropic in cause. He suggests we draw upon them and express them daily along with engaging with other men regularly. He points out; “If a man does not have the right thing to fight for, he will find the wrong thing to fight against.” What are YOU fighting for? Fight for truth, beauty, goodness and unity. (Thanks Aristotle)
What path are you on right now with your relationships? Don’t just navigate them. Fight the good fight in making them better. It will be your legacy to them; and, in the end, that is all that really matters. “Life is all about Relationships.”
Elevator Guy