Relationships are an important part of everyone’s life, be it a relationship with your self or with others, and the month of February gives us the opportunity to celebrate them all.

Every year when I set my intentions I contemplate the overall theme and select a word that captures the essence of what it is that I intend to create. This year I chose the word dedication. Identifying a specific word helps me stay focused and aligned to that which I have committed to for the year. The practice includes setting aside time each month to Pause+Shift+Reflect on my chosen word while paying special attention to any questions that may arise.

As we embark on the month of February and reflect on our relationships, I want to share some of my questions with you – they are universal in nature and my hope is that they provide empowering answers that further support your wellbeing.

  • Self-Dedication – How am I doing with my commitment to be dedicated to myself?
  • Who and what in my life am I dedicated to?
  • Do I feel good about the way I am showing up for the people I am dedicated to?
  • Who do I feel is dedicated to me?
  • Is the amount of time, energy and resources that I devote to my relationships reciprocated?

There is a beautiful poem written by an unknown author that some of you may recognize, A Season, A Reason, or A Lifetime. The author attempts to answer the eternal question of how and why people come into our lives. It is thought-provoking and helps us identify the purpose and potential gift each person brings to our relationship. So this month, honor and appreciate them all and most importantly, honor and appreciate yourself.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Betsy

A Reason, A Season, or A Lifetime

People come into your life for a reason, a season, or a lifetime.  When you figure out which it is, you know exactly what to do.

When someone is in your life for a REASON, it is usually to meet a need you have expressed outwardly or inwardly.  They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you with guidance and support, to aid you physically, emotionally, or spiritually.  They may seem like a godsend, and they are.  They are there for the reason you need them to be.  Then, without any wrongdoing on your part or at an inconvenient time, this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end.  Sometimes they die.  Sometimes they walk away.  Sometimes they act up or out and force you to take a stand.  What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled; their work is done.  The prayer you sent up has been answered and it is now time to move on.

When people come into your life for a SEASON, it is because your turn has come to share, grow, or learn.  They may bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh.  They may teach you something you have never done.  They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy.  Believe it!  It is real!  But, only for a season.

LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons; those things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation.  Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person/people (anyway); and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life.  It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant.

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