I am afraid it has been too long since I last posted.  I have not stopped thinking about relationships though.  In fact, I have been thinking quite a lot about Intrapersonal Relationships.  Those relationships that one has with oneself.  As I stated in an earlier article, to have a healthy relationship with another, you must first have a healthy relationship with yourself.  You cannot depend on someone else for your sense of peace and identity.  You have to first be comfortable living life within your own skin.  Now, this may seem somewhat fundamental, but how many people can you think of that have entered into relationships with the primary intent of not feeling lonely or to find happiness?

I certainly believe that relationships bring enhanced happiness to one's life, but that person must first be happy with themselves.  I am really made to think that we get that backwards sometimes.  In other words, I need to first be happy, then I can be in a relationship that enhances that happiness and hopefully enhance the happiness of the other person.  This really is the foundation of our primary relationships and friendships. 

Now the next question that you might ask is "How do I find this personal happiness"?  I really do wish I could answer that one, but I think you know that I am not capable of that.  I am only capable of answering that for myself.  However, for me, it is really understanding my "purpose" in life and to answer the question of "why am I here".  I do know that my own sense of fulfillment and grace comes from touching the life of someone else.  One of my favorite sayings is "Those things that you do for yourself die with you.  Those things that you do for others live forever".  I want to leave a legacy that will last and the more I do for others, the greater that legacy will be.  This brings me the peace and contentment that sustains me through this life. 

Now, as long as I can continue to live this way, I believe that this allows me to have healthy and happy relationships.  Almost goes in circles, doesn't it?  Just some thoughts.  I hope it will stimulate you to think more about your own sense of self and your relationships.

Until next time.