A successful relationship is one where both parties are nourished in mind, body, and spirit, in a positive way that improves each individuals quality of existence. It is being able to say, "My existence is better for having you in it." If you find yourself thinking or saying the exact opposite, more than likely you are involved in a toxic relationship that is going to affect you in a very negative way. Then again, others might even feel this way about you. One must always look internally and externally to be certain they are benefiting others and nurturing successful relationships.
Whether it be your significant other, best friend, or a family member, every relationship has a different dynamic, but requires the same five elements in order to be successful. These elements are:
- Love
- Trust
- Forgiveness
- Support
- Balance
Love is the central component of any successful relationship. Love is the core quality that our spirit possesses. It is the greatest gift that we can share with others and the greatest gift we can accept from others. Without love, a relationship lacks the deep connection necessary to unite the spirit. There are different levels and types of love. The love one feels for their significant other will be different than the love for a child, friend, or parent, but love is always love. An emotion brought forth from compassion and spiritual connection. Often times it is possible to like someone, but not to love them. A relationship can begin with love, but eventually change to like as individuals journey through this existence. .Like all things, love will have its ebbs and flows, but in a successful relationship, it will never cease. A successful relationship requires that each party share an equivalent amount of love. Love nourishes the spirit, provides emotional security, and creates a firm foundation for the relationship to stand upon.
Trust is integral to creating a successful relationship. Without trust, an undercurrent of suspicion and insecurity will begin to fill the voids of a relationship. Our own personal insecurities can be very detrimental to a secure and successful relationship. This is why it is so important for both parties to maintain a high degree of trust and honesty with one another. Trust is developed from the mutual respect of the emotional well being of the parties involved in the reationship. When we are honest, faithful, and present in the relationship, we ensure that trust is being nurtured and prevent insecurities from taking hold.
Forgiveness is the ultimate form of humility. When we have wronged a person that we care for, and have created a fissure in the relationship, it is paramount that we seek forgiveness. When we have been wronged by someone that we care for that is seeking forgiveness, it is the humble person that can offer forgiveness. Too often, pride prevents us from seeking forgiveness and spite prevents us from offering forgiveness. Like love, forgiveness is a gift that can be given and received. Those that keep score and carry grudges have the most to lose, because they are unable to free themselves from the mental, emotional, and spiritual chains they have shackled upon themselves. Seeking forgiveness and repenting shows compassion and remorse. Offering forgiveness, but not forgetting shows humility and strength. We all make mistakes and we all fall short at times in life, but it is not how you fall that matters, but how you get back up that means the most.
Support sounds easy, but is often negelected in relationships. If you ever attend a college football game, you will see cheerleaders and fans. The cheerleaders are inciting and inspiring the fans to cheer, and the fans are cheering to provide moral support to their team. This collaboration acts as a catalyst to motivate the team and lead them to victory. As it pertains to relationships, we show our support by being a cheerleader and fan for the other person. We encourage each other to strive for success, to improve our lives, or find solace in the storm. We listen when we need to listen. We guide when we need to guide. Most importantly, we provide the moral support for each other to get through the difficult stages of this existence. It is spiritually possible to be in a room full of people and to feel completely alone, but when there is someone there to support you, you know that you are not alone. We are all here to help each other succeed and shine. In a successful relationship, be the biggest cheerleader and fan you can be. Encourage and help others to succeed and you will succeed as well.
Balance is an internal and external element within a relationship. In order to create a successful relationship, one must first have a balance within themselves. If one’s own existence is out of balance, this will have a negative impact on each relationship. The imbalance of one’s own life can act like an anchor. Either preventing the relationship from moving forward or possibly dragging the relationship down. The relationship itself also has a balance to it. A balance of effort, love, trust, respect, support, emotional gratification, and spiritual fulfillment. When one party is giving more than the other or these elements are not in balance, this can lead to insecurity and resentment within the relationship. It is key to establish balance in one’s own life and then focus on creating balance within the relationship. Our mind, body, and spirit require balance and our relationships are no different.
Relationships are ever changing and some are never destined to be permanent, but the keys to creating and maintaining a successful relationship will always be the same. Consider how you address the five key elements of a successful relationship and determine if you are creating successful relationships in your own existence. We all have strengths and weaknesses. Find the areas where your relationships might be weakest and address that element first. As you continue to nurture each relationship and address each element, mind the changes within yourself and the other party. The relationship will be stronger and your spirits will be more fulfilled. Hopefully you will each be able to turn to the other and say, "My existence is better for having you in it."
Blessings on your journey
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