Sustainability in Treating People. Closing the Circle of Relationships

As I approached my 45th birthday, a profound realization dawned upon me - the impermanence of life and the lasting impact of our interactions with others. This led me to ponder deeply about the concept of sustainability in treating people, not just in an environmental sense, but in how we nurture and conclude our relationships.

Sustainability, in its broadest sense, is about maintaining balance and ensuring the endurance of systems and processes. When applied to human relationships, it becomes a matter of preserving connections and responsibly closing loops we’ve opened over the years.

The Unfinished Business of Relationships and the Courage to Confront the Past

Throughout our lives, we engage in countless interactions. Some leave indelible marks, while others fade into obscurity. But what about those relationships where something important remained unsaid? Perhaps it was a conflict left unresolved, an apology unspoken, or gratitude unexpressed.

As I reflected on my life, I realized there were people I had inadvertently hurt or paths that diverged without a proper farewell. These open-ended interactions, much like unfinished stories, can weigh heavily on our minds and hearts.

Revisiting the past requires courage. It involves facing the uncomfortable truths about our actions and their impact on others. It's about acknowledging that we might have caused pain, either intentionally or unintentionally. But why is it essential to revisit these relationships?

Addressing unresolved issues can be a pathway to healing – not just for us but also for those we have interacted with. It's about giving closure to those chapters in our lives that ended abruptly or unsatisfactorily.

The Power of Apology and Gratitude

In the journey of closing the circles of relationships, two powerful tools emerge: apology and gratitude. An apology is a powerful act of humility. It acknowledges the hurt caused and seeks forgiveness. Gratitude, on the other hand, is an expression of appreciation. It’s about acknowledging the positive impact others have had on our lives.

Recently, I listened to a podcast by Father Szustak on this topic, which deeply resonated with me. He discussed how important it is to express these sentiments, especially as we approach the Christmas season, a time significant for all Christians.

Christmas: A Time for Reflection and Reconnection, Healing and Reconciliation

The holiday season, especially Christmas, is a time of reflection, joy, and peace. It’s a time when we think about love, kindness, and goodwill. It's also a perfect opportunity to reach out to those we’ve forgotten in our life's journey, regardless of our age.

As we celebrate, it’s important to remember those we might have neglected or wronged. It's a time to extend a hand of friendship, offer a word of thanks, or express a heartfelt apology.

The act of reaching out, apologizing, or expressing gratitude can be a healing journey, both for the sender and the receiver. It’s about acknowledging that while we cannot change the past, we can influence the present and future through our actions and words.

The Importance of Closure

Providing closure to unresolved relationships is not just about the other person; it’s also about our peace of mind. It’s about unburdening ourselves from the weight of what was left unsaid or undone. This process is an integral part of personal growth and emotional sustainability.

Treating relationships with sustainability means approaching them with care, respect, and responsibility. It’s about understanding that every interaction has the potential to leave a lasting impact. Therefore, it becomes crucial to ensure that our words and actions contribute positively to the lives of those we encounter.

In closing the circle of past relationships, we also open ourselves up to the present. It allows us to engage more fully and authentically with those around us. It teaches us the value of each interaction and the importance of living in the moment.

Our actions, however small, can create ripples. A simple apology can mend a long-broken relationship; a word of gratitude can brighten someone’s day. These actions can set off a chain reaction of positivity and understanding.

Embracing Empathy and Understanding

A key component of sustainable relationships is empathy. Understanding the feelings and perspectives of others, and acknowledging their experiences, forms the bedrock of genuine human connections. In our journey to close circles, empathy allows us to see beyond our own viewpoints and appreciate the intricacies of others' lives.

Reflection plays a pivotal role in how we manage and sustain relationships. It involves looking back at our interactions, understanding the dynamics at play, and learning from our experiences. Through reflection, we gain insights into our behavior and its impact on others, which is crucial for personal growth and improving our future interactions.

Effective communication is essential in concluding unfinished business in relationships. It's not just about what we say, but how we say it. Communicating with clarity, compassion, and honesty can help bridge gaps and heal old wounds. It’s about creating an open and safe space for dialogue where both parties can express themselves freely.

As we approach the holiday season, let us reflect on our relationships. Let’s think about the people we’ve crossed paths with and consider reaching out with a kind word or an apology. This holiday season, I encourage everyone to take a step towards sustainability in treating people – to close the loops in our relationships and to create a ripple effect of kindness, forgiveness, and understanding.

-- pedro