Individuality

Happy Aloha Friday my friends! For some reason, this week moved a little quicker than last and I'm 100 % here for it! Ever since I started working this 5 day a week in person job, it's been a grind. I went from 3-4 12 hour shifts per week, to remote work 5 days a week and now 8 hours shifts 5 days a week an hour to and from my apartment be draining my energy. At least it's a plus for getting some reading time in though. I've been spending some quality time with a few books. I just finished Rich AF by Vivian Tu and currently back into apparently a classic that I have never heard of called, "The Courage to Be Disliked". Side note: if you're looking to reach financial wellness and you like how I write/talk, I really recommend Rich AF... but what I really wanna talk about is a part of my current read that really hit me. One of the main concepts of the book is that interpersonal relationships are the root of everything, how you think, what your reality is and basically how and why you are you. And I was like, damn. I knew relationships were big and obviously had a huge effect on my life, but to think that that's what EVERYTHING is from? Not sure about that. But it became clear to me once I looked at examples. Okay, I'd say one of my favorite traits about myself is that I can make people laugh. How is that trait created from interpersonal relationships? Reactions. Seeing people's reactions and the joy on their faces is why I love cracking jokes. Having an interpersonal relationship with a person through humor and being able to relate that way. One of the traits I dislike about myself is being a "yes" woman. I like REALLY don't know how to say no and it brings on lots of issues. I mean, to an extent. I do it because I love flow and want the least amount of conflict. But this stems from an interpersonal relationship. I don't want any of my relationships to falter because of a "bump" in the road - when I say no and get uncomfortable and potentially push away other people. Tell me if this makes sense or not but I always wondered why I held relationships -whether a friendship, partner, or family member- so close to my heart. And it's because relationships make us who we are. We can't even be an individual without comparing ourselves within a group. Okay really think about that last sentence... because I felt real philosophical there. HAHAHA. I mean I may sound like a kook (please let me know if I'm totally in my own world here) but I really now do believe that interpersonal relationships hold all our value...

Now I'm off to enjoy my weekend. I hope that by you reading this, you come to value and have pride for the person you are because of the relationships you've built. The friends you have, family you were born with, and acquaintances you come in contact with, all transform who you are. Don't forget to take pride in the way you treat others and PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE remember that love goes such a long way. Love you, mean it!

-Sistah Ceej \m/