Sitting here writing this blog today I have a flurry of excitement knowing that in a few days time I'm off on a weekend date with my husband! Doesn't happen often enough but we always make sure we prioritise each other once a year on our wedding anniversary and get away, just the 2 of us, without children. We feel that this is an essential part of our relationship success - to have a 24 hour (+) date where we 'ban' talking about the children and just focus on each other. If you haven't done it lately - have a date! Look each other in the eye when you talk instead of while you're folding the washing and make the other person in your life feel that they count.
Amongst all our work with parents and adults, one of the biggest concerns seems to be around relationships and emotional wellbeing. We have been doing a lot of talking around this topic and the connection between emotions and energy. There is no doubt that they are intricately linked and directly influence each other.
Think about a tower that is built upon layers with one of the most important layers (above physical) being emotion. Without a strong foundation in how to understand, cope with and express emotion, it is very hard to feel energised or to exhibit energy as a person or in a relationship.
How do you do this? Emotions are often a big part of your personality and many people have learned ways of expressing (or not expressing) emotion. We often hear people saying 'he doesn't say that / she doesn't communicate how she feels / I don't know what my partner is feeling', leading to conflicts in communication and the relationship. Those who are not in relationships tend to feel that their emotions aren't important or other people really don't 'want' to hear about how they're feeling.
So. Despite what you've done in the past, or how you were brought up, it is more important than ever today to address emotion and your emotional wellbeing. Start with yourself. Make sure you know how you feel about yourself and then tell those around you how you feel too. This is particularly important for single parents who often have no time to dwell on their own emotions or wellbeing. If you have a partner, prioritise your relationship. Make time matter and don't put it off for one more day. Even if it's just a date to the movies or inviting your neighbour over for lunch - give yourself the time to focus on relationships in your life (with a partner, parent, child, friend, colleague, family member, neighbour) - and make it count!
And from me...I'm off on my weekend date with my hubby to focus on emotions and re-energise!
