#self-growth for better relationships

[anshulbohre]

Lifestyle Secrets: How to Be Happy and Build Meaningful Relationships

“The quality of your life is the quality of your relationships.” – Tony Robbins In a world that constantly chases speed, success, and superficial validation, the true markers of happiness often get lost in the noise. But what if the key to a fulfilling life isn’t found in the next promotion, possession, or like on social media—but in simple lifestyle habits and deeper, more meaningful…

[canisalbus]

I really appriciate how often Machete is depicted struggling and feeling like a burden, while still being loved and supported by Vasco. It gives the top tier angst of "i'm not good enough, I'm not worth it" but you frame it in such a way where it's clear that's just how he *feels* and is not how things really are, but also it's so nice to see someone who struggles quite often in a loving and unique relationship that suits them. The narrative of not being able to love or be loved unless you're consistently healthy is really tiring lol.

.

[thepeacefulgarden]

Take care of your most basic needs

Forgive yourself for your mistakes, and be kind to yourself as you strive to do better

Unfollow "fitspo" and "thinspo" accounts, or any other accounts that make you feel bad about yourself

Give yourself permission to rest and just be, without ruminating over what you think you "should be" doing

Find something that brings you joy, and lean into that

[silasamerica]

they should’ve allowed Leslie thompkins to be a little masculine. A little gnc if you will. Like visual growth by her change in gender expression to showcase that during the narrows arc. Do you get me.

[itimetraveller]

If you are suffering from a disease, please listen to 741hz frequencies. Perfect for body healing and cleansing. They are made to heal diseases. You can also try out 285hz frequencies which are made for healing your organs. Take care yourselves with frequencies and your life will soon change for the better.

[itsfreyarussell]

I hope you find this post when you need it most 💜 we all have fragile days ~ be gentle with yourself

[pumpkin-the-girlie-girl-vixen]

The Weight of Self-Awareness: Reflection on Friendship and Personal Growth

As I sit down to write this blog post, I'm met with a mix of emotions - sadness, frustration, and a hint of hope. The image I've attached to this post has been on my mind for days, and I feel compelled to share my thoughts on the topic. It's a quote that speaks to the challenges of dealing with people who lack self-awareness, and it's a theme that has been present in my life for far too long.

I've been fortunate enough to have a close friend who has been a constant presence in my life for many years. We've shared countless memories, laughed together, and supported each other through thick and thin. However, as time has gone on, I've come to realize that our friendship has been one-sided. My friend has always been the center of attention, and I've often found myself playing the role of the listener, the confidant, and the problem-solver.

At first, I didn't mind this dynamic. I was happy to be there for my friend, to offer a shoulder to cry on, and to provide advice when needed. But as the years went by, I began to feel like I was shouldering the entire burden of our friendship. My friend would call me at all hours of the day and night, expecting me to drop everything to listen to their problems. They would dominate conversations, barely letting me get a word in edgewise. And when I tried to share my own struggles and concerns, they would dismiss them or change the subject.

It wasn't until I read the quote attached to this post that I realized the true extent of the problem. "It is extremely difficult to deal with people with no self-awareness," it says. "They do things to other people, and never stop to think how their actions are affecting the people around them." This was my friend to a tee. They would do things that hurt me, that frustrated me, that made me feel like I was nothing more than an afterthought. And when I tried to talk to them about it, they would become defensive, dismissive, or even angry.

I've tried to address these issues with my friend, to explain how their behavior was affecting me. But they never seemed to understand, or even care. They would apologize, but the behavior would continue. And I would be left feeling frustrated, hurt, and alone.

As I reflect on this friendship, I'm reminded of the importance of self-awareness. It's the ability to recognize how our actions affect others, to consider the impact we have on those around us. Without it, we can cause harm, often unintentionally, but harm nonetheless. And when we're on the receiving end of that harm, it can be devastating.

I've come to realize that I deserve better. I deserve to be in a friendship where I'm valued, respected, and heard. I deserve to have a friend who is self-aware, who considers my feelings and needs. And I deserve to be in a relationship where I'm not shouldering the entire burden.

As I move forward, I'm committed to prioritizing my own needs and well-being. I'm committed to surrounding myself with people who are self-aware, who care about the impact they have on others. And I'm committed to being a better friend to myself, to recognizing my own worth and value.

To my friend, I want to say this: I hope you find self-awareness. I hope you learn to consider the impact you have on those around you. And I hope you find it in your heart to be a better friend, not just to me, but to everyone in your life.

To anyone who has been in a similar situation, I see you. I hear you. And I want you to know that you deserve better. You deserve to be in relationships where you're valued, respected, and heard. Don't settle for anything less.

As I close this blog post, I'm left with a sense of a bit of sadness, but also hope. I hope that my friend will find self-awareness one day for others in their life. I have hope knowing that I'll find new relationships that are built on mutual respect and understanding. And I hope that you, dear reader, will find the strength to prioritize your own needs and well-being.

Remember, you deserve better!

[devine-acension-831]

I haven’t always been a good person.

In some lives, I’ve been toxic

In others, I’ve helped them reach the top

In some stories, I’ve been a bad friend.

In others, I’ve always been the best listener.

Part of growth is admitting that you weren’t always the better person in all the stories.

Part of growth is admitting that you weren’t always the victim.

❤️‍🩹

[dane-gerous]

Stop Falling in Love, Start Growing in it.

About a year ago, my mom and I made plans to have a lunch date at one of our favorite places to eat in town, Paw Paw Patch, a place we have been indulging in since I was five years old. We got our food and sat down at a table close to the fireplace.

We were catching up and of course, got on the topic of my love life or the lack of it. As I was sharing my experiences of being "ghosted", or just the lack of interest in someone on my end, I finally said, "I just want to meet a woman I can be crazy about and fall in love with." Mom paused from taking the bite of mac and cheese on her fork as she looked up at me and softly said, 

"You don't want to fall in love with anybody. You want to grow in love with someone."

I remember that comment mentally shook me. I just froze for a second as I began to analyze the "Wise Bomb" my mother had just dropped on me. She followed up with, "You think your dad and I have been falling in love over the past 30 years. We've been growing in it". That's when I began to realize I needed to change my mindset, and that would result in changing my approach to relationships.

You see when we "fall in love", you're doing just that. You're uncontrollably and recklessly descending. Yes, the fall is thrilling, exciting, and stimulating, but you have no control over where or how you land. Eventually, you will land, and rarely is it a soft or comfortable landing. Most of the time, it's a damaging or unpleasant experience. Sometimes, you land where you want to and that special person does catch you, but the fall always has risks.

So, what then? You're not falling anymore, so what's the next phase? 

Reality. 

The reality is, while you were free falling all you have are some fun times and romantic memories that quickly fade to the back of your mind when your first test of the relationship arrives suddenly. You've got nothing else to show for it. Building a relationship from fun times and memories is like building a house on sand; the foundation will soon wash away the first time it experiences a rain storm.

Over the past year, I've dissected that Wise Bomb further: Falling in Love vs. Growing in Love. What is the difference, and how do you make sure you're growing and not falling?

When you grow, you're ascending. When you fall, you're descending: You can't grow without building a foundation. The foundation looks different based on your morals, needs, and desires in a partner. These needs and desires are not physical or superficial by the way. These are emotional, mental, and even spiritual needs and desires that you know you require to grow with someone.

When you grow, you can control the speed of the progression. When you fall, you're uncontrollably free-falling: As you grow with someone, you can set boundaries and guidelines that are put in place to protect yourself. If it's going too fast, you can slow it down, but when you're falling, you're at the mercy of the fall and have no control of the speed of your descent. If, at some point, the growth of the relationship begins to sputter, you have the power to readjust things or remove yourself from the stagnant relationship it has become. It may sting some, but because you're in control of the growth speed and those boundaries and guidelines, you come out of the relationship virtually unhurt and ready to invest in someone else. If you're falling, that landing could be crushing and take a lot longer to rebound from.

When you grow, it should help you remember to water the relationship: Relationships take a lot of work, time, and attention. The growing in love mindset vs. falling in love mindset should help you remember to invest in your relationship if you want it to grow. Remember, it takes BOTH people to equally & consistently invest in the growth for the relationship to flourish. It can not be unbalanced or one-sided. That's exhausting and toxic. Personally, it helps me stay accountable and ask myself, "Have I thoroughly assisted in the growth of the relationship today?" Adults keep themselves accountable. Average people make excuses. Don't justify someone's consistent, lame excuses. Justifications don't help grow a damn thing.

Growth is essential to any living thing. If something stops growing it dies. Don't let your relationship die, but give it what it needs to live.

You deserve it.

[goldenkid]

ok now that wild blue yonder was actually good i can be honest and say i didn't like the star beast

[lookformeinbutterflies]

YES YES YES 🙌 👏 🙏🕯

"Not every emotion needs expression. Some feelings are better kept as private art."

[xxdreamscapes]

you don’t even gotta finishing your lil blame shifting sesssion— trust I’m already halfway out the door . ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁ been there done that byeee

[sweetpsychobelle]

There comes a moment when you stop waiting.

Waiting for someone to choose you, to validate you, to make you feel enough.

And instead, you choose yourself.

Fully. Completely. Quietly.

Not out of pride, but out of peace.

Not because you’ve stopped caring, but because you’ve finally started caring about you.

You choose yourself when you walk away from things that no longer grow you.

When you stop begging for love that comes with conditions.

When you stop proving your worth to people who never truly saw it.

Choosing yourself looks like rest when you're tired.

Like speaking up when your voice shakes.

Like holding your own hand on the days no one else shows up.

It’s in the small decisions—the ones that say,

“I matter, too.”

And slowly, the world around you shifts.

You stop chasing, You start attracting.

You become the safe place you were always searching for.

Because choosing yourself isn’t just a decision—it’s a homecoming.

And you deserve to be the one you come home to.

[joitotheworldstuff]

The Benefits of Mindfulness: A Path to a More Present and Peaceful Life

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and disconnected from the present moment. Our minds are often caught up in thoughts about the past or the future, leaving little room for truly experiencing the here and now. This is where mindfulness comes in – a simple yet powerful practice that can have a profound impact on our mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Let’s explore…

[kiera-raelyn]

I haven't seen this pointed out before, but yes! And like, they're young. It can be a hard thing to grasp when you're young. But that only reinforces that the relationship should not have happened when it did.

Or, alternatively, it shouldn't have lasted. I think in order for Kataang to work out in canon, they would've needed to break up at least once, preferably for a few years. They need time to mature and grow as people. To navigate a breakup and become friends again after, their friendship stronger and more solid for the experience.

Aang, in particular, would need to experience what it means for him to have a Katara-sized hole in his life, so that he can (hopefully) come to truly appreciate what she means to him as a friend. Because, as OP says, he just doesn't by the end of the series. He takes her friendship for granted. It's clear he doesn't think there's anything he could do that would make Katara stop being friends with him, up to and including forcing (both physically and emotionally) his romantic feelings on her. And that's just a really toxic mindset to have.

Aang is not entitled to either Katara's romantic feelings or her friendship. But that's not something he (or Bryke) seem to understand.

kat.aang fails as a friends to lovers dynamic for multiple reasons, but one of the most egregious is that katara’s friendship alone is never once valued by either the narrative or aang.

a good friends to lovers romance bases the will-they-won’t-they on the potential consequences of rejection. what if confessing ruins your friendship? what if by trying to be something different you lose what you already have? not only is this a relatable and interesting conflict that maintains romantic tension without making it seem contrived, it also does something more important: it denotes the importance and meaning of the characters’ existing bond, thus making it a worthwhile, believable framework upon which to build a romance.

but this is never the case in kat.aang. not once does aang worry about what confessing his feelings might do to his friendship with katara, or even entertain the possibility that their relationship could be strained or ruined as a result. rather, the romantic tension in kat.aang is driven by the fear of rejection itself: the worst outcome of this situation is not the loss of aang’s supposedly close friendship with katara, but the dreaded confirmation that friendship is all that will ever exist between them.

katara and aang don’t work as a friends to lovers ship because their platonic/familial relationship is framed as an obstacle to their romance, not a stepping stone. this is made most evident in the ember island players, when actress katara’s re-affirmation of her sisterly feelings for aang (coupled with her interest in zuko) is the catalyst for aang’s confrontation and subsequent violation of katara. katara’s platonic love here is a source of frustration to aang, not comfort; a reminder of what he does not yet have instead of what he stands to lose.

aang wanting “more” than friendship is not inherently bad, and his desire for a romance with katara does not, on its own, invalidate their relationship. but you cannot predicate a romance on friendship all while disparaging the continuation of said friendship in its current state as the worst thing that could happen to the dynamic of these two characters! doing so not only cheapens kat.aang’s platonic bond, it also reinforces the idea that the only type of relationship worth having with women is a romantic one; that friendship is nothing more than a poor consolation prize for the romance women rightfully owe their male friends. it’s a leaf taken right out of the good old Nice Guy misogyny and amatonormativity playbook.

and if even the narrative can’t be bothered to respect or buy into kat.aang’s friendship as the foundation of their romance, why exactly should i or anyone else be expected to do so?

[breatheandbloomquotes]

Mindfulness and Emotional Intelligence: Building Better Relationships

Strong relationships—whether romantic, familial, or friendships—are built on understanding, communication, and connection. But at the core of these qualities lies something deeper: mindfulness and emotional intelligence (EQ). Mindfulness helps us stay present in our interactions, while emotional intelligence allows us to understand and respond to emotions (both ours and others’) in a healthy…