Our biggest source of struggle and challenge is in our relationships. Yet relationships are where we experience the most growth.
Relationships can bring us unlimited joy and happiness when they work. But when they go wrong they bring us so much pain and suffering. No relationship is perfect. Being in a soul-mate or Twin Flame relationship does not guarantee a struggle free one.
Relationships are the mirror into our own souls. Although difficult to believe when we are in the thick of an argument, whatever is going on in our outer world (relationships) is also going on inside of us. The true source of our pain and suffering is really from ourselves. When we come into a relationship not feeling good enough, feeling empty and incomplete, our relationships reflect back to us how incomplete and insecure we feel.
What if you were already perfect and just need to be reminded?
The more we focus on what is wrong with our life and relationships, the more we will find that things go wrong or badly. Fighting with others means that we have inner conflict. Instead of pointing the finger at your partner, take a step back and look within. What is your inner issue? If you begin to look at what your trigger is or what button is being pushed you will recognize that you are upset about something that has nothing to do with your current situation. Our triggers come from past events, most from early childhood. You are being triggered because this issue needs to be healed within you. Rather than blame your partner take responsibility for it and focus on where else you have experienced this issue. Don't attempt to change your partner, accept them as they are. This is the true meaning of unconditional love.
Let Go Of Competition
When our relationships are competitive it is because we are competitive with others. There is no room for competition in a conscious relationship. A relationship between two people works best when we recognize that no one is higher, or better than us. We are all created equally. Putting competition aside will create more ease in your relationships. Ask yourself where your feelings of not being good enough come? As a child when did you feel less than another?
Lose The Expectations
Expectations of another sets the relationship up for disaster. Expecting someone to make us happy creates unrealistic expectations. No one can make you happy, but you. We are responsible for our own happiness. We choose to BE HAPPY, or NOT. We allow others personality traits to grate on our nerves by focusing on our differences. The more we focus on what bugs us, the more irritated we become. Letting go of expectations helps us become accepting of ourselves and others.
Bless Your Spouse
Years ago, I attended Mt. Bethel United Methodist church in Marietta, Georgia. http://mtbethel.org/ The preacher there, Randy, Mickler, is a dynamic Georgia Bulldogs fan. He was a true Southerner and talked incessantly about football. It is one of the things I remembered most about him. He became a televangelist. His services broadcast over the airwaves of Georgia and across the nation because he is a dynamic speaker. There is one statement I still remember from his sermons. "Bless your spouse." He talked for a full hour about how focusing on the good in your partner, rather than the negative would increase the positive feelings that you have for them. It does not matter whether you are married or just in a committed relationship. Focusing on the good in your partner and being grateful for all the good will help you to recognize the good in your world, life and of course, relationship. Conversely, focusing on the negative will fill your life with strife, struggle and negativity. When you focus on the positive in your partner, complement them authentically for the things that they do and all the ways they please you. This very simple act lifts them up. Everyone wants to be appreciated. Why not appreciate and Bless your spouse every day?
Listen
Lack of communication is the biggest source of discontent within a relationship. Without good verbal communication, there will be issues in the bedroom. Sexual issues are the first sign that things aren't working. If you stop having sex, the next step is an affair. When your schedule is laden with appointments, with little or no time to communicate, and without room to listen you are not making the relationship important. Listen to your partner. Really listen. Be present with your partner when they have something to say to you. Listen with an open heart. Hear what it is that your partner is saying, without thinking of what you need to say. Make eye contact and hear what they are saying. Listen to what is behind the words. Some of what your partner is not saying is as important as what is being said. There is meaning in hearing someone's pain. What is behind the words? Treat them like they are someone who matters.
One of the biggest issues in our society today is that we don't listen to our partners and don't listen to our children. What is particularly troubling is that fathers spend less than 7 seconds a day with their children. This is descriptive of our living. No one is exempt. The word lonely means the absence of people. Yet, the feeling that you don't matter or are insignificant makes you feel lonely. Not being given attention even in a house full of people will leave you feeling lonely and alone. Having someone listen to us shows caring. This is a powerful way to be in a relationship. Show your partner you care about them by making what they have to say important to you.
To focus on the positive, be slow to speak and slow to anger. Before speaking words of condemnation, criticism or negativity, think. Focus on the positive. Most of all listen to your partner. Our greatest ability to care is what deepens a relationship.
We all have challenges. Being able to listen to your partner without ego and having to solve their issue is key. Sometimes we just need someone to listen to us. That may be all that is needed for us to feel better. Think before you speak. Once words have been released from your lips they cannot be taken back.
Watch Where You Focus Your Attention
Have you ever noticed a barking dog in the middle of the night? The more attention you give to the barking dog, the louder the dog becomes. The more you focus on the barking, the more annoying it becomes. This is true of focusing on the negative in your partner. Complaining and nitpicking about every little thing you don't like about your partner, the way they speak, the way they breathe, the way they snore will create unrest for you. Focusing on all that you dislike or hate about your partner only increases your feeling of discontent. Instead focus on the positive. Wherever you focus your attention and energy expands.
The 8 Steps To Being Happy In Your Relationship:
Remember our relationships mirror our own issues back to us. Rather than believing that our partner is our issue, look inside. What is it that your partner is showing you about you? Remember everything is happening as it should. You are having this experience because you need to learn something from it. There is always a gift in the lesson.
The 8 Steps To Being Happy In Your Relationship:
- Relationships are the mirror into our souls. Whatever is going on in your relationship is a reflection of your internal struggle.
- Let go of expectations. Having expectations sets your partner and your relationship up for failure.
- Remember you are already perfect the way you are, so is your partner. Accept them as they are without trying to change them.
- Focus on the positive.
- Listen with an open heart.
- Bless your spouse every day.
- Look inside. Accept and love yourself unconditionally.
- Be grateful for what you have. The only way you will ever get out of lack consciousness is to be grateful for what you have currently without complaint.
Remember our relationships mirror our own issues back to us. Rather than believing that our partner is our issue, look inside. What is it that your partner is showing you about you? Remember everything is happening as it should. You are having this experience because you need to learn something from it. There is always a gift in the lesson.
