How to Restore a Relationship Part 1: Evaluating a Path Forward

The past year’s been difficult to say the least. Our day-to-day lives continue to be impacted by a deadly pandemic. Many of us have lost our livelihoods and loved ones.

Our faith in American democracy and its leaders has been tested as we continue to see what extreme divisiveness can do to a society. 

The lack of contact, connection, and understanding has been hard on so many relationships. Whether you have one that’s suffered due to lack of contact or the realization that you don’t share quite the same worldview, this period has revealed a lot about personal relationships.

Perhaps you’ve been disappointed by a shift in a relationship that’s important to you…

Maybe you’re thinking that now that life is starting a return to “normal” and political temperatures are tamping down a bit, you’d like to direct some attention to restoring a relationship with a family member or friend. If so, you’re not alone…

The word “restore” keeps popping up lately. It’s a subject that’s been on my mind, maybe for you too.

So I thought we could spend this time in April focusing on how to restore relationships. That starts with evaluating the relationship that has suffered and determining if there is a path forward.   

Restoring a Relationship: Is There a Path Forward?

There are many things that could have contributed to the fracturing of relationships over the last year or so… 

Perhaps you stayed connected with a close friend through a monthly lunch date. Without that face-to-face connection, neither of you have really made an effort to stay in touch. 

Maybe the differences in how you managed your health risk during COVID restrictions created a deep divide between you and a sibling. 

Or maybe the thoughtful public policy discussions you used to enjoy with a friend have evolved over time into something you want no part of.

These are familiar examples of what’s been happening to relationships during these uncertain times.

In order to restore a relationship — whether it be with a coworker, friend, sibling, or other family member — first you need to determine if there’s a path forward. And if there is, how to go about easing back into a relationship that serves you both. Let’s go a little deeper. 

1. Evaluation

At some point in our lives, we’ve all had to take stock of a relationship. We’ve had to decide whether that connection served either one of us and contributed to our growth and happiness. 

And don’t get me wrong, variety is the spice of life. I believe surrounding ourselves with different people with unique perspectives, personalities, and experiences makes life interesting and fulfilling. Not to mention it’s one way we humans learn empathy.  

But the unusual external stressors we have been experiencing may have identified things we didn’t see before. And depending on what they are, we may have some difficult decisions to make. We might need to ask ourselves if those differences add richness or opportunities for personal growth or do they detract from our happiness and well being. You’ll need to consider that carefully. 

2. Recommitment

If you’ve determined that a relationship that has been damaged is important to you, that the person means more to you than whatever it is that divides you, it’s time to make a commitment to reconnect. 

I encourage you to be the first to reach out in an effort to repair. But before you do, take time to center yourself. Consider all the positive memories you have of times together and decide that you’ll keep those interactions at the forefront of your mind. Appreciate all the things you have in common and whatever it was that brought you together in the first place.

If you’ve determined that a relationship that has been damaged is important to you, that the person means more to you than whatever it is that divides you, it’s time to make a commitment to reconnect. Share on X

3. Boundaries

To restore a relationship, it’s best for you to choose to stay in the present if you want to enjoy the relationship going forward. That will likely involve establishing new boundaries. For example, you might be making a conscious choice to only engage with the other person in ways that restore harmony to your relationship. 

Test the new relationship boundary by planning time to enjoy a hobby together. Start reconnecting slowly and see where things lead. 

Up Next: How to Restore a Relationship Part 2

Stay tuned for my next article which will explore how to embrace the path forward for a relationship you’d like to restore. It’s about learning to forgive, accept and enjoy. 

Make sure to click here and sign up for my future articles so that you receive them in your inbox.  

Until next time, I encourage you to think about the relationships in your life that have been suffering. Take time to reflect on your memories of time spent with that person. Remove all judgment and consider only what that connection brought to your life. 

Whitney

What Women Often Forget To Give Thanks For on Thanksgiving…

What a year it has been…

COVID-19. Shutdowns. Job loss. Fear for the health of yourself and your loved ones.

2020 has undoubtedly become a year that many will not forget. 

Thanksgiving is a time to step away for a moment and be grateful — even during this crazy year, there are so many blessings in your life. You have a roof over your head, food in your stomach and love to share with your friends and family. 

But this holiday isn’t solely for praising your loved ones. It’s also a time to give Thanksgiving gratitude to YOU.

Because when you show gratitude to yourself, you…

  • Recognize all your hard work this year
  • Acknowledge the challenges you’ve had to overcome
  • Admire the strength and resilience it took to make it where you are today
  • Remind yourself of the self-worth that resides within you
  • Open yourself to greater abundance that you can share with yourself and your loved ones

Most importantly, each act of self-gratitude is also a message of self-love. You care for and love yourself, even when circumstances become difficult.

And for such a unique year, this special holiday is the perfect opportunity to deliver another message of love to yourself.

This Year Has Been Quite the Ride

With all the challenges mentioned earlier, you may have felt like you were barely keeping your head above water. During the past months, you may have experienced:

  • Feelings of helplessness 
  • Hopelessness
  • Stress
  • Anxiety
  • Depression-like symptoms
  • Heightened fearfulness

With so much uncertainty surrounding the pandemic and shutdowns, it’s understandable why you may have felt like you were grasping a lifeline throughout this year.

Yet, we’re approaching the end of 2020.

This year has undoubtedly tested your strength, patience and resilience. And you may not have realized it, but it is your resilience and self-worth that has empowered you.

So, now you’ve emerged stronger and even more resilient.

This Thanksgiving can offer a reprieve from the challenges you’ve had to overcome. It can also be a reminder to practice self-gratitude. Here are a few tips to embrace the empowered woman you are on this memorable holiday.

How to Give Thanksgiving Gratitude to YOURSELF And Acknowledge All You’ve Achieved This Year

Step #1  Reflect on Your Challenges

Go to a quiet room with a pen and journal. Sit alone with your thoughts and reflect on the past months.

What were they like?

Stressful? Chaotic? Lonely?

Did anything life-changing happen this year?

You could think about the shutdowns. Maybe you or your partner lost your job. Perhaps you had to transition into working from home and home-schooling.

There were so many changes you might have experienced — many you were unprepared for.

Write about them and how they made you feel.

Recognize the challenges you’ve had to face. Instead of trying to bury an uncomfortable memory, you can see it for what it is and admire what you did to overcome it.

Because the fact is that yes, you may have stumbled starting out. But eventually, you slipped into the new normal and adapted to your unique circumstances. You not only cared for those around you, you also tended to your own well-being.

And this leads to the next step.

Step #2  Identify 3 Things You Value About Yourself

Next, reflect on three strengths that helped you overcome the challenges of 2020. Here are some examples of characteristics you might consider adding to your list:

  • Remaining a pillar of strength and patience for your family
  • Your flexibility in adapting to working from home
  • Your incredible work ethic  
  • Your compassion as a mother
  • Sticking to your self-care ritual and showing yourself that you are worthy of love and care
  • Being vulnerable and asking for help when you needed it
  • Understanding the importance of filling your own cup before you fill the cups of those around you

Whatever strengths you feel helped you weather this storm, write them down.

You can get so caught up in the daily grind that you forget these things — especially when constant media updates keep your mind racing with fear and anxiety, drowning out your inner dialogue.

This small practice of writing down your strengths helps to shift your attention to loving yourself and recognizing what makes you empowered and beautiful.

Step #3  Pause

Our monkey minds often keep us jumping from one thought to another. Instead of appreciating who you are and what this special holiday means, your attention might be jumping to the next challenge:

  • To-do lists
  • Holiday decorating
  • Cooking and cleaning
  • Planning get-togethers

“Regardless of what is going on in your head,” said Kellie Edwards, a psychologist, in Psych Central, “The mindful pause can bring on the relaxation response and enable clearer thinking, opening up more choice and restoring a calmer you.” 

Instead of worrying about what has yet to be done, guide your focus back to the present moment. Take a pause and just breathe.

You are here. You are alive in this moment.

And when you’re ready, smile and tell yourself…

I love you and thank you for all you’ve achieved this year.

That’s right.

Thank YOURSELF.

Because this year hasn’t been easy… yet you were able to summon the resilience and strength to step up and provide for and protect your family.

That deserves recognition.

YOU deserve recognition.

So take a moment to say thank you to yourself and feel it. If it feels awkward at first, keep repeating it to yourself until it feels natural and sinks in.

Step #4  Treat Yourself to Some Gratitude and Self-Love

While it’s nice to receive gifts from others, have you ever considered giving yourself a gift?

A little self-love can be a kind gesture that shows you appreciate yourself for all you’ve achieved this year. And it doesn’t have to be extravagant. 

It could be treating yourself to a pedicure. Or a vase of fresh flowers. Or it could be as small as 30 minutes alone in a warm bubble bath as the winter chill settles in.

This Thanksgiving, take an opportunity to treat yourself.

Because each act of self-love is a message to yourself that you are grateful for all you’ve achieved.

Each act of self-love is a message to yourself that you are grateful for all you’ve achieved. Share on X

Experience All the Love, Joy and Ease You Deserve This Thanksgiving Holiday

Thanksgiving is a time of family, appreciation and joy.

While you’re giving away your love and gratitude to your precious loved ones, remember to share some of it with yourself.

Because you deserve it.

This Thanksgiving, I pray that you stay safe, healthy and peaceful. And I also want to thank YOU for doing your part in filling your own cup so you can better support those around you.

Thank you and Happy Thanksgiving!

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How to Be More Resilient: Getting Back on Track When Life Isn’t Going Your Way

Ever notice how some women have this uncanny ability to bounce back from adversity?

With each challenge, they emerge wiser and stronger?

These women are resilient.

Resilience looks like the woman who loses her job but polishes her resume and starts seeking career opportunities.

Resilience looks like doing the best you can, even when coronavirus has disrupted your daily life.

Resilience is showing up for yourself every day, even when it feels like you’re carrying the world on your shoulders.

You don’t need a suit and cape to conquer your challenges. 

Resilience can be your superpower. And I’m going to show you how to be more resilient when you’re feeling overwhelmed with life.

What is the Meaning of Resilience?

Psychology Today defines resilience as “the psychological quality that allows some people to be knocked down by the adversities of life and come back at least as strong as before.” 

Resilience is choosing to move forward instead of giving up. 

Embracing optimism over pessimism. 

And understanding that each struggle is temporary and you have the power to create positive change in your life.

What Resilience Isn’t

Being Emotionless

Even resilient people undergo emotional turmoil during tragedy. The difference between those who are resilient and those who aren’t is how they cope. 

Something You’re Born With

Some are born with greater resilience than others — like athleticism or your IQ.

But that “level” isn’t set in stone.

Like training a muscle, your resilience grows with each challenge you overcome.

This is good news for you. Even if you have low resilience now, it’s something you can work on. The following tips will help you build resilience in the face of adversity:

5 Tips on How to Be More Resilient and Emerge from Adversity Stronger than Ever

#1 Build Your Support System

Different events can trigger emotional trauma — divorce, losing a loved one, even moving into a different home.

And trauma isn’t something you can necessarily weather alone. 

Building resilience is also about learning when to ask for help. Sometimes you need to rely on compassionate friends and family who will support you. 

You may also want to join a specific group. Stanford Medicine shares how “being active in civic groups, faith-based organizations, or other local groups provides social support and can help with reclaiming hope.”

#2 Cultivate Healthy Outlets

Some women resort to unhealthy outlets when coping with adversity. It looks different for each woman — substance dependency, compulsive spending, and overeating, to name a few.

That’s why it’s helpful to build habits that will support you during difficult times. Healthier habits include:

  • Exercising regularly
  • Prioritizing quiet alone time for yourself
  • Cooking nutritious meals for your body
  • Engaging in a creative hobby
  • Spending quality time with family members

These positive outlets will give your body the resources it needs to cope with stress more productively.

#3 Find the Lesson

Why is this happening to me?

What did I do to deserve this?

These thoughts probably have passed your mind when misfortune falls in your lap. You might feel betrayed. You might even curse at your Higher Power.

Sometimes, tragic events are inexplicable. Yet, it’s up to you to find the meaning in them.

If you recently lost your job, what lesson can you find in that? Maybe it’s an opportunity to connect more with yourself and priorities.

What meaning can you find in the passing of a loved one? Perhaps it’s a reminder of your own mortality and the precious value of time.

How about recent events?

What can we learn from the coronavirus outbreak? There are reports of pollution reduction around the world. Maybe coronavirus is offering us a glance into what a healthier planet would look like.

Finding the lesson helps you build resilience. It encourages you to change how you view adversity:

  1. You can let adversity defeat you.
  2. Or you can let adversity teach you.

Have you recently experienced a setback? What lesson did you find in it? Share your discovery with me in the comments below.

#4 Take Just One Step

When you’re stuck in your problems, there are days when you don’t want to do anything.

Believe me, I know

There were days when I didn’t want to get out of bed because I was so overwhelmed by stress and fatigue.

Yet all you need is one small change to shift the course of your life.

For me, that was transitioning into a growth mindset — that I wasn’t helpless to the forces around me and there are things in my life that I can influence.

And your next step doesn’t need to be that big.

It could be as small as getting out of bed. Or perhaps it’s giving yourself just five minutes to sit in silence.

Set your own pace.

Confucius once said, “It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.”

Start with finding your single next step… and then taking it.

Resilience isn’t as much about how fast you bounce back — it’s more about your ability to adapt and move forward.

#5 Seek Additional Support

For some, the above tips are enough to build their resilience.

Others might need a little more support. 

Perhaps that’s you.

I had my own life coach to help me overcome overwhelm and break free from burnout. I’m here to be that for you, as well.

If you’re suffering from overwhelm and want to thrive again, sign up for a complimentary “Overcoming Overwhelm” Discovery session with me. 

In this 60-minute consultation you’ll:

  • Reveal a clear and compelling vision of what else is possible for your life when you no longer have so much on your plate and are enjoying your life again
  • Get simple and practical tips for how to break free from your symptoms of overwhelm.
  • Tap into greater energy and inspiration 
  • Explore how having a partner on your journey will provide a shortcut to all that you desire.

Click here now to sign up for a complimentary “Overcoming Overwhelm” Discovery session.

Hi, I’m Dr. Whitney

About Me

As an International Speaker, Certified Master Trainer, Certified Accelerated Evolution Coach, Spiritual Counselor, and Ordained Minister, I’ve shown powerful professional women, entrepreneurs, and executives worldwide how to experience success without sacrificing their health, wellbeing, relationships or dreams. Having experienced first-hand the challenges of finding physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual balance, I believe that life is meant to be enjoyed, not endured!!!

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