Barbara Streisand sang, People, people who need people, are the luckiest people in the world. If it is true that people need people, then one should wonder:

-- Why stress over maintaining relationships?

-- Why the excuse that you are too busy to call or visit loved ones?

-- Why the feeling of being overburdened with relationships?

-- Why is your social calendar filled with one activity right after the other? Are you trying to please everyone?

-- Are you constantly on the go and then complain about being too tired to finish projects or handle the paperwork?

-- Could it be that you are overdosing on activities, people and things?

As valuable and important as these relational activities are, too much is stressful. An overflowing schedule of activities may appear on the surface to be abundant living, but most often, it is a means of running away from home-front problems. Be honest. Is one of these problems disorganization?

The secret of living abundantly is accepting and balancing the gift of relationships. Take some time to review the balance in your life. Do you maintain a healthy perspective on work, personal projects, and valued relationships while still making time for solitude?

Supportive Relationships

Balance means time for personal activities as well as time for family and friends. Implement some quiet time for monthly, weekly and daily planning. Do not shortchange yourself. Managing your time wisely will give you the opportunity to explore the gifts others bring into your life.

In a previous article titled, "A Journey of Success and Abundant Living," I talked showed how 'like attracts like' and that you get what you focus on. Go back and review that article for a full understanding of living a rich life without overindulgence, overabundance or overdosing. Abundant living involves all aspects of life, including fostering and maintaining positive relationships. If you want to attract friends, then be a friend.

Nurturing Relationships

-- Implement the art of remembering by keeping a birthday/anniversary list in your organizer or tickler file. View the tickler file Organizing Resources produces. You can find it on the Products Page of the website.

-- Facilitate the art of conversation through face-to-face talks with family and friends.

-- Never be too busy to call loved ones.

-- Be a good listener. Pay attention to details.

-- Be available whenever a friend is in need.

-- Remember to say, Im sorry.

-- Have a gift drawer so you will always have a small token to express love and appreciation.

-- Send flowers when important things happen to those you care about.

-- Send special occasion cards and thank you notes.

-- Value relationships for who they are, not what they do.

-- Have friends from all walks of life.

-- Express your feelings by using first person I statements rather than third-person you statements.

-- Have a positive attitude. It is contagious.

Summary

The word nurture means to nourish. The act of nurturing promotes well-being for you and those around you. When you nourish people by what you say and do, you add value to their lives and your own. Be attentive and you will always find opportunities to nurture others every day.

My best friend is the one who brings out the best in me. Henry Ford

Judith Kirk

Judith Ann Kirk, Professional Organizer and Personal Coach, provides hands-on and coaching services in simplification and organizing mastery. She uses a holistic approach to teach life management skills and assures an immediate physical, emotional and psychological payoff when chaos and clutter are eliminated. The impact of learning the process to simplify then organize renews the spirit and builds confidence. Order is the foundation upon which to build inner peace, contentment and joy in life. Take the control of your life and reap the benefits of living abundantly. Subscribe to the monthly newsletter - Lighten the Load - when you log onto her website.