Growth is Not an Option, How we Grow is...

Working with couples, the statement that always bothered me to hear was, "we just grew apart." I had a hard time with this, and it was during that time I came up with and started sharing the following statement:

“We are always growing. In our relationships we can "choose" to grow together or "allow" ourselves to grow apart. The former requires conscious choice and actions, the latter just develops on its’ own.”

With my current focus on Work/Life Balance for Men, I now realize this applies to much more than marital relationships. Does not the same apply to the relationships we develop with our children? How about our relationships with others, such as our friends?

We are each given the same number of hours each day, and we choose where we will invest these hours. Are you investing these hours proportionally in the things that are most important to you?

Visualize what your ideal relationships would look like if you could create them any way you wanted.

• What does it look like?

• What emotions does it bring about when you see yourself being in and enjoying these ideal relationships?

• Would you actually like to create these relationships?

• Are you currently investing the time to create this?

• Are your behaviors and choices today leading you in this direction?

This is one of the things we mean by balance. Look at what is really important to you and invest your time accordingly. We can't spend the majority in one or just a few areas and expect them all to thrive.

Where do you need to invest more of your time? In what areas of your life would you like to create more balance? Your thoughts, as always, are welcomed and encouraged.