Relationships
are the key to success in all facets of life. Their
development and nourishment will lead to the happiness
and fulfillment while neglect or malice will cause
grief, sadness, and struggle.
This web
site is an essay broken up into pages by topic. It is a
somewhat analytical view into what constitutes a
relationship and what will promotes success or
failure.
As I work
to develop relationships in my life this work in
progress will change and update in content. Most of the
principles will not change. They are, have been and will
be the principles that determine the outcome of
relationships. This essay is a pretty objective view
from a conservative stand point.
While in a
deep conversation with a close friend after a rigorous study session
in the middle of my college career, he posed a question and an answer that have perked my curiosity since. He asked, “What is the most influencing concept or principle to affect human well-being?” I answered “love”, then “sacrifice” to which he nodded in contradiction. He posed that the answer encompassed many concepts including the two I mentioned.
“The general development of or destruction of
relationships is the cause to overall happiness or
misery,” he responded. I soon discovered that I agreed
strongly that he was right. We discussed the idea some and then ended our study session and went home. I continued to reflect on the topic for some time and then decided to observe and direct much of my “hobby studies” while
in college to determine whether or not he was on to
something. I have found the development of successful relationships, in all arenas of life, to be the stimulus to ones overall success, fulfillment, and joy and the corrosion of relationships to promote contempt, hatred, and failure.
My purpose in writing this essay is to shed light on the importance of relationships as a whole and to make aware that lasting happiness and success stems from ongoing success in building strong relationships. I believe that many go through life without grasping the importance of interpersonal relationships. They value personal status or that which is materialistic more than the value of creating opportunities to improve the life of another, get close to someone, or share life cultivating experiences with an individual or community. Those that experience true lasting success and happiness are those who nourish the life of others in one fashion or another. These people are oft times not aware of the underlying reason of their success.
I also want to suggest a few of the key principles and concepts of healthy relationships as well as those of rocky relationships. I do not profess to be an expert at relationship development
nor do I want to attempt to “preach” nor appear all-inclusive but instead want to exhibit suggestions, ideas to be aware of while choosing direction with regards to others. Many resources are available to learn how to improve and foster the ties within the many environments of which our lives consist. It is key to recognize that it is relationships with oneself and with others that determine much of the outcome of our well-being.
Note: this essay is broken up to cover several major topics: 1) the definition of relationships 2) suggestions and concepts on fostering and promoting healthy relationships 3) suggestions on activities and reasons for a decay in relationships 4) several views of relationships as seen within religion. I believe it is important to understand what relationships are, how they work together, what should be attempted or avoided to promote good relationships, and what
several principles are that are taught in religion that focus on promoting healthy relationships. Once readers understand these things they may proceed to evaluate their situation and search out methods to make improvements. This essay does not comprehensively cover any particular topic but provides an introduction to concepts to be studied, pondered, and put into action.
I do take a conservative approach to relationships.
