Take Time and Effort to Honor Personal Relationships Face-to-Face

I have been largely off the grid for a few weeks taking an important break from hours in front of my computer to nurture my personal relationships and social life.  It may come as a surprise that those aspects of your daily life are as critical to your wellness as clean eating, exercise, and a clear sense of purpose.  In my health coach school they tell you that you can eat all the kale you want, but if you’re not taking care of your spirit – of which these are elements – you’re missing a critical piece of success.  In support of that truth, I’ve taken the past few weeks to kick off some mindfully-devoted time to people that have “filled my cup” as they say. 

I am a nomad by nature.  I collect home addresses over time like other people collect shoes.  I am fortunate to have a personality type that embraces change with ease, but getting settled in a new environment is a task that generally takes some assistance and advice from the people indigenous to your new environment.  In turn, I am so thankful for the kind and helpful people who I have met and forged relationships with at every turn.  Of course, though, relationships aren’t always about a location.  There are people who come into your life at different seasons of time as well and serve a key purpose in forging the future course of your life.  Too often we get caught up in the day to day of moving forward and fail to take time to express gratitude for the regular conversations, moments and experiences with others that have brought us, perhaps, solace, clarity, motivation and/or validation as building blocks for the people we have become and fuel for our next road ahead. 

In some fateful alignment over the past few weeks, I’ve been able to spend meaningful face-to-face time with people who have supported me most during my key milestones over the past couple decades and span of approximately 2,800 miles.  While social media is certainly a valuable way to keep in touch these days, there is nothing like carving out time be together, reminisce about the old days, and be able to give someone a real hug to express your thanks and love.  There is an exchange of energy and appreciative gaze that is so much more powerful while being in each other’s physical presence.

With summer upon us, and some extra free time for some, make the effort to put aside time and budget to take that trip to check in with someone you haven’t seen in a while.  Embrace the opportunity to express your appreciation for the role they have played in your life and its positive impact.  Let these meaningful relationships be the superfood that nourishes your soul. Your wellness (and theirs) will be better for it.