I am taking a few days to consider each of the dimensions of well-centered fitness (Spiritual, Physical, Intellectual, Emotional, and Social) and the “baby steps” one (me, in particular) can take to become more “well-centered”. Today, I consider the Social dimension.
Social well-centeredness. Social well-centeredness reflects one’s commitment to healthy relationships. A small investment in others pays great dividends. We should take advantage of the opportunities we have to interact with others. Even as we baby step our way to well-centered fitness, there should always time to include others. Social well-centeredness includes the degree to which we seek to live in harmony with other people and embraces the concepts of community, citizenship, partnership/marriage, communication, unity, etc.
Relationships are multi-faceted. Some are casual. Some are professional. Some are intimate. Some are familial. Some are not even perceived are relationships—e.g., the persons we pass on the street with no conscious notice. Social wellness is deeply personal, whether we are aware of the relationship of not.
Make a commitment to spend time with others. It may not have to be quantity, as much as quality. Date nights, father-son/daughter time, phone calls to family, etc. can strengthen relationships.
If we are the average of the people with whom we spend our time we must be careful to avoid destructive relationships and seek to add value to all of our relationships. We must be purposeful in your relationships. Eliminate the unhealthy relationships and strengthen those that are most important.
Eliminate unnecessary distractions—smart phones, social media, etc. Have conversations—real face-to-face conversations. I find it disheartening to see a group of people sitting at a table with each staring at their phones. When given the opportunity for human interaction, put the phone away and be fully present in the moment.
A while back, I made a committed to my wife to connect for a “15-Minute Check-In” on a daily basis (as much as possible). It is a small commitment to sit in our living room, enjoy a glass of wine or beer, and talk about what is going on in our lives. We shoo the kids, if they come in, and we focus on each other. It is an easy habit, and such small efforts can have a cumulative effect. It isn’t much, but just fifteen minutes can make the world of difference in a relationship—especially the busier our lives get.
A text message, a phone call, a short note (better than an email), and just letting people know we are thinking about them can go a long way. It is, after all, the small things that often matter most. Baby steps.
Be your best today; be better tomorrow!
Carpe momento