Controlling the relationships you build

Let me get a little personal today.?

My grandmother just turned 101… That’s right, One hundred and One years old.?

Last year we threw a big party, this year our immediate family took her to her favorite restaurant.?

While I love all the cards and phone calls she received helping her celebrate her special day, it made me wonder what happens the other 364 days?

She has outlived 2 husbands…

Her friends have all died…

So all she has left is her family, and friends of her family.

After grandma’s 100th birthday, I decided I would call grandma more often and I would stop by her house when I was in town.

I remember when I was a young adult, I hated going to her house, it was boring.?I hated talking to her, I didn’t know what to say. ?

I thought I had so much going on and Grandma was out of touch.?

Last year I went through the Relationship Inventory in the Conversation Guide with my Grandma in mind,?and I realized…

…it’s not up to Grandma to create a relationship with me, it’s up to me to create a relationship with Grandma, or anyone for that matter.

There’s a quote, “How We Do One Thing is How We Do All Things”. ?

Going through the inventory with different people in mind, I was able to see my patterns sabotaging the relationships I wanted in my life.

My lesson… I am in control of the relationships I build ?

I’ve learned a lot about my grandma during the year and I’m embarrassed by my younger self.?

To take this lesson one step farther, every week, I started intentionally calling people.?People I talk to all the time and people I haven’t talk to in years.

The result… This year has been a blast!

I’d encourage you to become the intentional relationship builder in your own life …to fearlessly become responsible for your own connections and happiness.

Instead of waiting to see what happens, be the one who creates something amazing.?

Be Focused!?Be Fierce!

Pamela

p.s.?if you want to take inventory of your relationships, you can get the Conversation Guide here.?