Relationship Reflection

************No man is an island, entire of itself************

This is a quotation from John Donne (1572-1631)

Human beings do not thrive when isolated from others. Donne was a Christian but this concept is shared by other religions, principally Buddhism.

We are social beings. Our lives begin with relationships. As we grow we begin to understand connections between our actions and the way others react to us. This becomes the foundation of forming relationships and understanding how they work. When we cry and someone comforts us we feel a warm satisfaction. When we laugh, others join in and we again feel a warm satisfaction. We are learning that relationships involve give and take and that they meet our needs. We soon develop beyond forming relationships to have our immediate needs met to forming relationships on a higher level that involves companionship and camaraderie.
Reflecting on the role relationships have played in my life, the most outstanding is the relationship I have with my family. In times of joy and sorrow, my family is there to share, support and comfort me. We laugh and cry together, we work and play together. We also grow together. The relationships I have with my family taught me that maintaining relationships over time involves change and growth.
Outside of my family I have several close personal friends, friendships with co-workers, and friendships I maintain with my book club members. Each group represents a different type of relationship with different purposes and different effects on my life. All of my friendships provide companionship/fellowship and support. My friends are very important to me because we have a connection of understanding (interconnectivity) that validates us.
My closest friends are Joyce and Jacque (pictured above). Joyce, Jacque and I refer to ourselves as the three J‘s. Our friendship has stood the test of time because of our unconditional support and honesty with each other. Other important aspects of our friendship are open communication and respect for each other.
Over time I have learned that friendships take work and commitment. Forming new relationships involves creativity to build upon common interests. Sometimes people are hesitant to form a friendship due to a past negative experience or because of a time factor. Making friends with someone who is hesitant involves learning about their past and finding common ground to build upon. Flexibility, understanding, and persistence may be needed to develop new friendships. The rewards of putting forth the effort to build new friendships are great because as stated in the above quote, “we thrive from the relationships we have.” My closest friendships have stood the test of time because of the effort we each contribute.
Having positive relationship experiences will greatly contribute to my future work in the early childhood field because I am aware of the commitment involved in forming relationships and/or partnerships. I understand how to be flexible and persistent, as well as to learn about someone’s past experiences, all important ingredients needed to develop partnerships with parents. Having good communication skills, the foundation of all relationships, and the ability to be creative are other needed ingredients in forming partnerships and will enhance my future work in the early childhood field.