Maintaining Relationships

Prioritizing Personal Relationships

Are you finding that the relationships around you are taking a hit because you just don't have time?

Cook, J. (n.d.)

After being a stay at home mom for 5 years and having the luxurious time to chat on the phone and give freebie massages to my spouse regularly, I now find myself struggling to maintain the relationships with the people around me. 

With the hubby at work, myself being at school full time and taking care of our two little minions (our sons), I was starting to notice that our love life was slowly diminishing. In addition to that after starting school I’ve received multiple complaints from my best friend regarding the neglect she has been receiving from me (horrible I know). I knew that something would have to change. I began to develop some boundaries, incorporating more “us” time and started sticking to my scheduled priorities (as best as I could).

Member of Family Unit. 2016.

While the urgent continually begs for our attention, the important keeps silent. It patiently waits for us to take notice. While the urgent seeks us, the important waits to be sought by us. The important aspects of life take discipline to perform, while the urgent are accomplished on impulse. We live in constant tension between the two, don't we? Filling the needs of the moment causes us to become weary. We blame hard work for our anxiety. In reality, it is not hard work that produces stress, but doubts and misgivings about what we are doing. We have become slaves to the urgent. - Elise Arndt, author of  A Mother's Time.   J. S. (2010, March 26)

Let me assure you I haven’t figured it all out yet and I’m still taking it day by day. It helps that the people around you understand how busy life can be. It’s important to remember that just because our loved ones will always be there doesn’t mean those relationships shouldn’t be nurtured.

Here are some great tips and ideas on how to stay connected with family when you're away:

                                                                        Youtube. CNN. 2012

I’ve started setting daily quality time every night aside for my children. After they’re asleep I make it a priority to either connect with friends and family (thank god for technology), or just cuddle up and watch a movie with the mister.

I’ve found that putting my phone away for just a bit and really being in the moment is liberating. Having time for friends and family gives you a happiness that can’t be replaced, so it’s important to try your best to maintain these relationships.

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Comment below do you have any tips or tricks you find useful?

References: 

Cook, J. (n.d.). Friday reflection [Digital image]. Retrieved March 9, 2017, Retrieved from http://www.letstalkaboutwork.tv/personal-relationships-harmful-job/

J. S. (2010, March 26). Prioritizing: What's Urgent, What's Important. Retrieved March 09, 2017, from  http://www.focusonthefamily.com/parenting/parenting-roles/stay-at-home-moms-taking-care-of-yourself/prioritizing-whats-urgent-whats-important 

Member of Family Unit [Family at the beach]. (2016, November 30 ). Retrieved from https://www.immigrationgurus.com.au/definition-change-member-family-unit/

C. (2012, September 12). Tips for parents who travel to help stay connected[Video]. CNN. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Qtzj1Dx_wk