Welcome to week five as we work our way around the Life Balance Wheel, taking that inventory of your life. This week we are going to visit a topic that can feel very vulnerable for some! We'll be exploring our love life – our significant other.
Last week we spent a fair amount of time discussing and assessing meaningful relationships, family and friends. What I hope you took away and spent the week contemplating is that relationships, meaningful connections, are an important aspect of life. And we hold the key to cultivating and prioritizing this very important human need.
We need connection and community, the quality of these relationships can positively contribute to a more satisfactory and joyful life.
This week it's all about significant others. How satisfied, on a scale of "0" or the least amount of satisfaction to "10" the most satisfaction.
Now you don't have to have a significant other in your life because some of us have one, and our level of satisfaction is like a 2, and sometimes we don't have one, and it feels more like an 8.
So if you have a special someone, what is that relationship like? Do you think that person helps and supports you to be the best version of yourself? Do you think you help and support that person to be the best version of themselves?
Do the two of you have fun together, enjoy intimacy, laugh, and face challenges together?
If you scored low in this area, it is important to articulate why? I offered a few barometers above; perhaps they can help with the clarity. Or see if any of the following statements resonate with you?
The reason why my current relationship is not fulfilling:
My partner and I forgot how to prioritize fun together.
My partner and I don't seem to share the same priorities.
My partner and I have lost our ability to communicate.
We no longer share intimacy.
My partner does not understand my love language.
Trust is an issue in this partnership.
These are just a few common challenges that couples can experience. But most importantly, do you think you have done everything possible to improve or salvage this relationship?
If the answer is no, then what is the next right step? Are you willing to put in the work? Would your partner support the efforts and take part? The answer to these questions in of itself can also bring some clarity.
Also, consider how the lack of satisfaction in this part of your life could be contributing to your lack of satisfaction in other areas?
Now let's talk about if you don't have a partner.
Remember, it is not a rule that you must have one to have peace, joy, and fulfillment. Given individual circumstances and life experiences, some people are very content with being without a significant other.
You can find that need for connection filled by establishing strong family relationships or a like-minded community, or even a special pet.
I like to think of intimacy as not only physical but a sincere heart connection.
So overall, what number do you give this aspect of your life? And if you scored low, are you willing to take steps to change it?
Next week our conversation will be around connection again, but this time it is about connecting with oneself.
Until then, let this knowledge and awareness you are gathering about your life be the catalyst for transformation as you get closer to creating a plan that feels personal and authentic to you.