Nurture Your Relationships

“Relationships are like plants… Nurture them, they grow. Ignore them… they wilt away.” ~ Namrata Britto

Valentine’s Day is coming up next week, but keeping the love in your relationships strong, is a daily affair not just a one day event. So, if you haven’t expressed love to your significant other lately, or (even if you aren’t in a relationship) at least told the people that matter most to you how much you appreciate them… read on because this is important if you want to make sure your relationships aren't just surviving but that they are actually thriving!!

Relationships require effort. It doesn’t have to be difficult but it is essential. If you don’t nurture your relationships, they will suffer. Some can withstand the test of time (a rough patch here or there) but without nurturing, relationships will not grow and may not be strong enough to survive, let alone thrive. So rather than waiting to express your love during one token holiday, practice love and appreciation of those that matter most to you regularly.

Here are a few simple ideas to get you started:

• Touch - Give his arm a squeeze, pat her back or hold hands. (Research shows that as humans, we all need physical touch.)
• Smile - Just a simple smile can warm someone’s day and your feelings for each other.
• Communicate - Not about what needs to be done or how tired you are but about your dreams or your future. Inspire each other. What’s on his mind? What’s going on in her life? Talk and really listen to each other.
• Be Present - Togetherness doesn't have to be about doing something, it can just simply be about being present together. Put the phone down, be present and enjoy quality time together.
• Be Grateful - Expressing your appreciation and gratitude to someone isn't just nice for them to hear but it's also a reminder for you not to take others for granted. 
• Small Things - These are the little things you can do daily and truth be known, they aren't small at all, they add up and they truly matter.

Remember, love isn’t a once a year affair. It’s something we work on regularly to nurture the relationships that matter. Even if you’re planning to give a gift for Valentine’s Day, it's not just the gift; it's the thoughts and feelings behind it that are really important. Just like the thoughts and feelings you express regularly to those who matter - by showing up fully and being active in the relationship.

There may not be time for moonlight and roses or candle light dinners every week, but a glass of wine while you're cooking dinner together to relax and talk may be just enough to get back in touch. Or a regular text to a friend to let them know you’re thinking of them, can keep the relationship strong.

I want to encourage you to brainstorm about what you can do to nurture the relationships that matter most to you. Think about little things that might make your relationships light up again. And then go for it! Commit to nurturing your relationships daily so you can have love for a lifetime.

***Give yourself some much-needed love! Because when you care for yourself, you're better able to share that love and care for others. Join the Success Mastery Community and get 50% off the first month, using the coupon code “SWEETHEART” when you sign up now. (No matter which level you choose!)