This weekly post was inspired by someone who reached out to me! Thank you, Amanda!
This week, we are talking about how to maintain our relationships while balancing our multiple roles.
For example, I balance being a mom, an advocate for the boys, a friend, a wife, a sister, a daughter, a senior program supervisor, adjunct professor and a volunteer coordinator/co-program director. Those are the roles that come immediately to mind.
Needless to say, it can be a lot.
So, how to balance all of this and keep connected?
There are several things that may be helpful!
One tip is to schedule time to check in with people. I do also try to check in with others when I can- such as texting someone "hey, I just thought of you." It may also be helpful to have important dates scheduled in your calendar. For example, one of my friends lost his father in February a few years ago- so every February, on that day, I get a reminder to check in with him. Usually he doesn't answer his phone (in general lol) so I will text him but also leave him a voicemail.
The second tip is to pair things with a phone call. For example, I go on walks- so I will schedule in a phone call during those times. Or scheduling a phone call while running a errand.
The third tip is to put away your electronics when spending time with loved ones. I am super guilty of this! Before, I used to have my phone near me all the time. So when I was on a date with my husband, or spending time with a friend, I would be glued to my phone. Which is not too connecting! I do have an apple watch which buzzes, so I can take a quick glance to make sure it is not an emergency- but if it is not an emergency, I make sure to give myself permission for it to be a "later thing."
The fourth tip is to check in with your loved one that is outside of your other roles. For example, when I check in with my husband, we ask each other "what is a highlight and low light of today?" And then will ask again if we talk about the kids. Not because the kids are not important- of course they are!- but because WE are important too. To remind ourselves that although we are parents together, we also are a couple and a team.
That takes me to me last tip of today! Remind yourself of the other roles that you may have with that person! For example, for my husband and I: We are parents, workers outside the home (because we both contribute financially to the household), a couple, and more! That helps to remind ourselves that if we are in disagreement, that does not mean that they are the enemy... It just means that they may not be in the same page.
With that in mind, let's jump into the Therapist Mama Bear Weekly Tip!
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