If you have ever had a conversation with me, regardless of the capacity (i.e. acquaintance, stranger, friend, family, student, client, mentee, audience member at one of my lectures, etc.) you have heard me say,

Life is about relationships.

Relationship is defined as ‘the way in which two or more concepts, objects or people are connected, or the state of being connected.’ Therefore, the moments spent with:

• your barista at your favorite coffee shop
• barber or stylist
• eyebrow threader
• bartender/wait staff at your favorite lounge/restaurant
• friends
• significant other
• children/family
• colleagues
• members of your various organizations
• flight attendants
• physician/nurses
• professors

We never know what another person (even the one’s closest to us) is going through at any given moment. This is why it is imperative:

(1) to do the work to heal your emotional wounds so you do not go around wounding other people,
(2) be responsible for your energy, if you are in a ‘mucky’ place politely cancel instead of exposing others to your toxins and
(3) strive to leave places ‘energetically’ lighter

It is truly an honor to have relationships in our lives an it is time we begin treating them as precious, priceless jewels.

The gift of quality time is what many people (especially your children and significant other) desire. Yes, material gifts are great, but creating memories with our loved ones is what is sustainable. Within my public health career, my professional life occurred in a hospital setting and I witnessed the life flight helicopters arrive daily, parents in the ED with their babies, people waiting to see their loved ones in ICU, etc. I am sure none of these people were reflecting on the trinkets they received or complaining about the gifts they did not receive. No, instead, all of these people only wanted their loved ones to be healthy and to have the opportunity to share more moments (time) with them.

Take a few moments to reflect on your relationships and the various ways you can make them better and do it. – Misha N. Granado