Finding JOY In The JOY Of Others

Finding JOY In The JOY Of Others

As I DON'T have the slightest skills or capability in Psychology, allow me to reference the CHANGE TRIANGLE tool, first introduced way back the 1970s by Dr David Malan.  Simply put, it is a step-by-step process to simply feel better.  And talking about the CHANGE TRIANGLE, JOY is one of the seven core emotions on the CHANGE TRIANGLE.  And like all other core emotions, JOY has a particular feeling in the body although that feeling varies from person to person.  A medical doctor once egged her patients to kind of slow down to 'SCAN' their body for feelings of JOY even those little 'molecules' of JOY otherwise obscured by the more attention-grabbing NEGATIVE emotions. Finding JOY In The JOY Of Others is the key📘📙📗

Psychologists all opine that WHEN we find JOY inside, we would likely notice 'sensations' like warmth, energy and that 'inner peace'.  And they attest that it feels 'amazing'  to stay with and savor the physical sensations of joy BUT here's their word of caution:  IT TAKES TIME because IT TAKES PRACTICE.  BUT instead of downplaying things, psychologist attest that our capacity to experience JOY is constantly present within us.  Your JOY might be deeply buried deep inside to protect you from either disappointment BUT it remains there💚💛💜

They further share that JOY has that 'special ability' to broaden our mind's perspective [as opposed to constricting it] WHICH happens during the NEGATIVE emotional states of anxiety and even depression.  They sum it up in a bit technical statement which says: "JOY MAY HAVE AN EXPONENTIALLY POSITIVE EFFECT' on one's future thoughts and even behaviors.  WHY?  It's because JOY eggs us to play, expand our curiosity and connect with others.  As more benefits abound, JOY lessens the time spent in NEGATIVE mood states and instead helps us physiologically recover from NEGATIVE states more rapidly💧💧💧

Experts share below some basic 'techniques' to build more joy:

• LOOK FOR LITTLE MOMENTS OF JOY - It could be petting a dog, watching sunrise, noticing a flower or tree, listening to your favorite music, etc.  Looking for these 'MICRO-MOMENTS OF JOY' won't cost an arm and a leg
• DON'T PRESSURE YOURSELF TO HOLD ONTO JOY - DON'T ever worry about the 'fleeting nature' of JOY.  Let the moment be WHAT it is.
• FOCUS ON HOW THE MOMENTS OF JOY FEELS BELOW THE NECK - It's akin to you yourself scanning your body from head to foot to notice the sensations
• ENJOY THE SENSATIONS - Even WHEN you feel tension OR anxiety, try to accommodate all that you feel inside
  
  Our takeaway:  DON'T look too far from WHERE you are right now.  Get back into your personal life.  Get into your work life.  Staying with the visceral experience of JOY will be challenging sometimes as WHEN the various feelings that come up WHEN we feel JOY will need tending and processing too, especially if they prevent JOY from flourishing.  Let us NOT stop FINDING JOY IN THE JOY OF OTHERS💥💥💥

READING READING READING

READING READING READING       

Who says READING comes on the heels of our lowest priorities?  BUT before anything else, please allow me to qualify and clarify that I'm NOT a voracious READER.  BUT having personally bear witness to the tons of benefits in READING, please allow me to leverage on this forum to vociferously promote and encourage READING [regardless of your strata in society [because READING is NOT a monopoly for the RICH and FAMOUS📗📙📘

Of late, a growing body of research indicates that reading literally changes your mind.  Via those MRI scans, many researches confirmed that READING involves a complex network of circuits and signals in the brain.  And as your READING matures, those networks also get stronger and more sophisticated.  In one research, the researchers used functional MRI scans to measure the effect of reading a novel on the brain.  And as the participants read an assigned novel over the course of nine days, when tensions started to build up in the story itself, more and more areas of the brain lit up with activity.  And the brain scans proved that throughout the reading period [and even days afterward], the brain connectivity increased especially in that part called 'somatosensory cortex', that part of the brain that responds to physical sensations like movement and pain😑😑😑

The increased ability to empathize was almost apparent during researches as it showed those people who READ literary fiction did show a heightened ability to understand the feelings and beliefs of others.  That ability called 'THEORY OF MIND' is a set of skills essential for building, navigating, and maintaining social relationships.  It further showed that long-term READERS do tend to have a better-developed THEORY OF MIND✅✅✅

Building one's vocabulary is one of the most obvious benefits.  Contrary to the notion that if you want to enhance your vocabulary, you just need to browsed through the dictionary, our human level of absorption is so low as compared to READING and absorbing the vocabulary you come across through your READING.  BUT as we grow and become more mature, the adults are the first beneficiaries of READING as it helps prevent age-related cognitive decline.  And although research has NOT proven conclusively that READING prevents diseases like Alzheimer's, studies show that seniors WHO read and solve math problems everyday maintain and improve their cognitive functioning.  Experts also encourage us all to start READING as early as possible in life as studies proved that people WHO engaged in mentally stimulating activities all their lives, they were less likely to develop plaques, lesion linked to dementia💧💧💧

Our takeaway:  READING should be one of the least expensive and least costly hobbies to engage with.  At this point in your life, if you still find READING as more of a chore, perhaps, learning more about HOW READING could improve your health and well-being will encourage you to go on a DIGITAL DETOX.  BUT I know it's a tough call because almost all of us are holding on to our respective smartphones once we hit the sack, getting used to that fallacy that social media and that smartphone are all WHAT you need to get to a sound sleep.  Often times, the shortest distance between two points is a straight line.  So, WHAT better way for us to explore as to HOW far can we kickstart even with a modest READING [if NOT a marathon one].  This is a classic case of SMALL efforts, BIG benefits, and top it all, with the least cost possible💥💥💥

Were You Just Trying [& FAILED?] OR Have You Lost A Step?

Were You Just Trying [& FAILED?] OR Have You Lost A Step?

WHY do some people succeed after FAILING?  WHILE others continue to FAIL even after a spate of FAILURES? Indeed, Were You Just Trying [& FAILED] OR Have You Lost A Step?  It's noteworthy, however, to take a peek at some of the notable FAILURES + SUCCESS stories around us.  Do you know that J.K. Rowling received twelve rejections before the first Harry Potter book was published?  And that's just one inspiring example of FAILURES turned to SUCCESS. BUT the biggest question is, WHY do the SUCCESSFUL individuals ultimately get through WHEN so many others never manage to get past their FAILING phase???

Researches however, showed that it's NOT simply that those WHO learn more as they go have better odds of victory OR succeeding.  Rather, there's a critical tipping point.  And that if your ability to build on your earlier attempts is above a certain threshold, you'll likely to succeed in the end.  BUT if it's even a hair below that threshold, you may be doomed to keep churning out FAILURE after FAILURE [maybe forever]💧💧💧

A recent body of research supports the idea that FAILURE can make you better off in the long run.  In fact, within the world of scientists, they found out that an early career setback often set up scientists for later success.  However, as the stories of Henry Ford, Thomas Edison and JK Rowling demonstrate, the road to success typically involves more than just a single setback in that rough road of life💥💥💥

Data scientists did dive into an avalanche of data to analyze failures and success.  They theorized that success must be the result of one of two basic phenomena, which is LUCK or LEARNING.  People WHO became successful in a given area are either improving steadily over time OR they are the beneficiaries of chance.  So, the researchers tested both theories. And their studies showed that if WINS are primarily the result of chance, all attempts are equally likely to succeed OR fail, very much akin to tossing a coin WHERE WHAT happened before DOESN'T much influence WHAT happens next.  That means the typical person's hundredth attempt WON'T be any more successful than the first [as individuals are NOT systematically improving] ❌❌❌

Our takeaway:  The gathering of minds by researchers are ending up with conclusions that tell us that SOME PEOPLE LEARN FROM THEIR FAILED ATTEMPTS MORE THAN OTHERS WITH THOSE WHO "LEARN MORE" INCORPORATING MORE COMPONENTS OF THEIR FAILED ATTEMPTS INTO THEIR LATER ATTEMPTS.  In essence, this tells us that HOW YOU FAIL DETERMINES WHETHER YOU'LL SUCCEED.  Simply put, to simply 'TRY AND TRY AGAIN' for example is just NOT enough.  WHETHER you just failed after TRYING or have you lost a step is an entirely separate matter for you to dissect❗❗❗

Fatigue, Weakness & Tiredness Are 'POLES APART'

Fatigue, Weakness & Tiredness Are 'POLES APART'

Many times, things seem to be falling apart within us and from my radar, I would often hear FATIGUE FATIGUE FATIGUE.  But hold on folks, I am hard pressed to believe that all those shortfalls in life are due to FATIGUE.  It is best that we align and differentiate and as per Mr Webster, FATIGUE is a feeling of constant TIREDNESS whereas WEAKNESS refers to that lack of muscle strength while TIREDNESS is a normal sensation after a physical or mental activity.  So, Fatigue, Weakness & Tiredness Are 'POLES APART'📗📙📘

Problem is, more often we tend to blame everything to FATIGUE when at times, we are feeling WEAK or in another scenario, it's just being TIRED.  The tricky thing about feeling TIRED and FATIGUED is that they essentially feel the same.  And sometimes, FATIGUE can be traced to one or more lifestyle issues such as poor sleep habits OR even lack of exercise OR at worst, FATIGUE can be caused by a medicine or linked to even depression.  Word of caution for us all before pinning the blame on FATIGUE, becoming a whipping boy💧💧💧

NOT surprisingly though, fatigue is a common worrying complaint among people performing physical activities on the basis of training or even rehabilitation.  An enormous amount of researches have been initiated all about FATIGUE and surprisingly, there seems to be more 'mix ups' and confusion because many of us tend to loosely interchange different symptomatic manifestations in life💦💦💦

I'll put myself on the spot.  Three days ago, I drove out a distance for a distance that should take two hours.  It took me five hours.  And you can guess how was I after driving for five hours.  Drained.  Zapped.  So, was I that FATIGUED?  Or TIRED?  No-brainer, I was TIRED and all I need was to rest and get re-energized during that quick getaway where I was supposed to literally and mentally recharge myself.  So, was I FATIGUED?  No sirrrrs because that was a one-off thing❗❗❗

Our takeaway:  Let us NOT get mixed-up with FATIGUE versus TIREDNESS or feeling that WEAKNESS because those are three unique manifestations that are triggered differently from each other.  And let us spare FATIGUE from becoming the perennial 'whipping boy' BECAUSE you end up doing a great disservice to yourself, BECAUSE you are misleading yourself, BECAUSE you end up fooling yourself [to be blunt about it].  Bottom line, DON'T make sweeping statements.  DON'T make inclusive conclusions because NO TWO CASES are the same❎❎❎

Is Life Dependent on HAPPINESS?

Is Life Dependent on HAPPINESS?

Is Life Dependent on HAPPINESS?  No sirrrrs, NOT AT ALL.  Years back, I was so fixated with HAPPINESS as I believed that that was the very PURPOSE in life.  Twice I validated myself and I still came up with the same answer that YES, HAPPINESS is our PURPOSE in life.  BUT not to pass the blame BUT we can look around, most people are pursuing HAPPINESS in their lives.  Which is NOT to frown at.  BUT that explains why we collectively end up with the same dilemma as we got this wrong💴💷💵

So, why is it many of us end up with a HAPPINESS mindset?  To be honest, I'm totally clueless but I can only theorize.  And I believe it could be cultural or historical or a combination with media and the overflow in today's INFORMATION ERA.  Well, WE ARE WHAT WE ARE.  Let's just accept that. Most people love to analyze WHY people are NOT happy OR don't leave fulfilling lives📘📙📗

Well, I DON'T necessarily care about the WHY.  And WHAT I care more is HOW we can change the mindset that gets us locked-in to be HAPPY just like WHEN you buy something, we think that makes us HAPPY, WHEN we hook up with people, we think we're HAPPY, WHEN we have a high-paying job, that makes us HAPPY, OR we go on a holiday, we thought that makes us HAPPY?  BUT at the end of the day, you're laying on your back and ask yourself, WHAT'S NEXT in this endless pursuit of HAPPINESS❓❓❓

Honestly, we WON'T able to guess [correctly] as to WHAT'S NEXT.  There you are, chasing something randomly that you think makes you HAPPY.  Dude, it's all a facade.  A hoax.  A charade.  A story that's been made up.  Aristotle, the great Greek philosopher was quoted 'HAPPINESS IS THE MEANING AND THE PURPOSE OF LIFE, THE WHOLE AIM AND END OF HUMAN EXISTENCE'.  Ooops, we need to look at this quote from a different perspective, as otherwise, you might [wrongly] think that HAPPINESS is the main goal.  And that's exactly what this goal is driving at❌❌❌

So, how do we achieve HAPPINESS?  BUT hey, HAPPINESS can't be the goal itself.  Therefore, it's NOT something achievable at all.  And for the longest time, I always firmly believed that WHAT really makes me happy is WHEN I'm useful.  In fact, it comes down to this:  WHAT ARE YOU DOING THAT'S MAKING A DIFFERENCE?  You DON'T have to change the world OR anything.  Just making it a little bit.  Be it for your family, your loved ones, your boss, your work colleagues, your friends OR even the less privileged in society, can we lift a finger for them?  Because LIFE IS NOT DEPENDENT ON HAPPINESS BUT IT'S OUR USEFULNESS❗❗❗

When Can We Always Have 'SENSE of URGENCY'?

When Can We Always Have 'SENSE of URGENCY'?

The conventional wisdom tells us that that SENSE OF URGENCY should happen ONLY IF there is an URGENCY.  Really?  Are you NOT kidding?  I totally disagree with that and that's the widespread dilemma because most of us are taking things literally and when we hear URGENCY, it gets equated to something that's a serious medical situation, an accident or an unexpected event that necesitates URGENCY. When Can We Always Have 'SENSE of URGENCY'❓❓❓

Thing is, creating a SENSE OF URGENCY is [VERY] rarely talked about WHEN discussing all of the required characteristics that make up the highly successful BUT without doubt, it is a pre-requisite for SUCCESS in our personal life, in our work life, in our business life.  It is just important to approach each assignment, task and project with extreme care and focus, BUT being a perfectionist often hinders that SENSE OF URGENCY needed💎💎💎

The challenge is WHETHER it is letting your perfectionism slow your growth OR waiting for the perfect moment rather than creating a SENSE OF URGENCY to make it happen and get it done, you must be deliberate in your efforts to identify a SENSE OF URGENCY in all that you do.  People WHO live with a SENSE OF URGENCY also live their lives with purpose and meaning.  They wake up everyday with purpose and possess an inner urgency that drives them to deliver on it💥💥💥

Through the years, the amount of people I have witnessed WHO really obviously have that LACK OF URGENCY either in their personal OR professional lives sabotage their SUCCESS and full potential is unbelievable. Quality will always matter and perfectionism can be a great asset BUT productivity, efficiency and speed are equally important✅✅✅

Our takeaway:  Much as we want to to take our own performance to the next level, the common problem is that many of us are busy PERFECTING one aspect, and they end missing the opportunity to expand beyond it.  This LACK OF URGENCY stumps growth.  So many others walk around unfulfilled wishing they had acted on WHAT they were passionate about OR an idea that they truly wanted to move on BUT the LACK OF URGENCY does prevent them from ever getting started.  WHEN can we always have a SENSE OF URGENCY❗❗❗

Are We Wired To Be RICH Or POOR?

Are We Wired To Be RICH Or POOR?

Are We Wired To Be RICH Or POOR? I DON'T think so.  I strongly disagree with that proposition BUT you might ask me, why is our thread today all about being RICH or POOR?  It's because this is a valid and common concern NOT just in the Third World but even in the First World like the United States where the 2023 population is at 339 million and the poverty rate in 2023 is pegged at 11.5%.  That translates to almost 39 million Americans in poverty.  Now let's go back to the nagging question if ARE WE WIRED TO BE RICH or POOR?  NAWH sirrrrrs, we are NOT.  Because I firmly believe almost all of us have similar chances to climb up the ladder in life, regardless of the kind of ladder📗📙📘

NOT to downplay America because it is well known as the LAND OF OPPORTUNITIES, the LAND of HONEY but statistics show that even beyond the 39 million population living in poverty, a bigger chunk of the population are living PAYCHECK to PAYCHECK.  In fact, it is normal to hear about side hustles in the First World countries BUT if we DON'T fundamentally understand how money works, more of it WON'T fix the problem📌📌📌

Often times, we would hear that we CAN'T be all be rich?  THAT we need people WHO will work n retail, food service and hospitality.  I regret I DON'T have the slightest inclination to agree with that proposition.  BUT here's a three-liner I stumbled across:

The LOWER CLASS spends the money

The MIDDLE CLASS saves their money

The UPPER CLASS invests their money

These three-liners CAN'T be farther from the truth!  And this is the main reason WHY most people stay in the class they were raised in.  We seem to learn to act by watching those around us💧💧💧

The harsh reality here is that it takes some real serious work to UNDO any ingrained thought process.  Looking back at my family's past years, I have to admit that we were living on PAYCHECK to PAYCHECK and that was a vicious cycle too difficult to part with.  All along, I thought that for my family at that time to move into the UPPER CLASS, it would mean identifying and then rewiring the thought processes that were instilled in me from time time I was nothing but a dependent💥💥💥

Our takeaway:  In life, NOTHING IS CAST IN STONE.  Opportunities are lurking and spread all over the place.  Challenge is that most of those opportunities are obscured or way beyond the surface and it takes a real darn curious Lothario to unearth it from below the ground.  Lastly, NOT to cast down on the lower classes in our society, we are all encouraged to look way beyond just around us.  It's true we should look up to our parents, our families, relatives and close coterie of friends but let us go beyond our horizons because we are NOT WIRED TO BE RICH or POOR.  It's all up to us, dude😀😀😀

How Do We Handle CRITICISM?

How Do We Handle CRITICISM?

WHO wants CRITICISM?  Absolutely no one amongst us.  Many times in the middle of nowhere, we will hear something that borders way beyond just being another noise.  And the worst part is when CRITICISM comes even when it is UNSOLICITED.  But first and foremost, handling CRITICISM involves understanding the critic.  NEGATIVE feedback arises in different contexts and each merits a different approach.  So, really, How Do We Handle CRITICISM❓❓❓

As CRITICISM is part and parcel of living in this world, posting on social media, performing in your stand-up comedy OR even coaching a student OR protege, all those well-meaning efforts and intentions will absolutely invite judgment + CRITICISM.  And doing anything truly innovative will guarantee it.  So, HOW can you ready yourself and NOT be discouraged from stepping outside of your box?  These are mind-boggling💥💥💥

Frankly, CRITICISM may seem scary because it could come in various forms.  BUT since this is inevitable, HOW do we handle all these?

DIG FOR THE SOFTER EMOTION - Angry CRITICISM almost always means the critic feels hurt in some way.  One key thing to remember during these times is that ANGER is a secondary emotion, it is a reaction to and expression of a softer primary emotion underneath like hurt, shame, OR humiliation.  People get hurt first and then get angry BUT by dig beneath the superficial anger in search of the softer emotion, it's much easier to feel sympathetic toward them📗📙📘

DON'T GET DEFENSIVE - Reacting defensively shows insecurity plus you'll just come across as aggressive and difficult.  And blaming is even worse.  Resist throwing someone 'UNDER THE BUS'.  Handling NEGATIVE feedback is often the hardest as it stinks to hear your idea ISN'T up to par.

CRITIC MAY BE WRONG - Ultimately, feedback is an opinion shaped by the giver's context , values and place in life.   You can always reject CRITICISM that does NOT match WHAT your core beliefs tell you is correct and that can be empowering and WHEN it's turn to hear CRITICISM, remember just because someone else says it, it DOESN'T mean that that is TRUE!@#$%?

OR maybe your critic has a point.  The flip side of the misunderstood genius is the slacker with potential.  Sometimes, CRITICISM might just mean your work ISN'T your best effort yet.  OR maybe your presentation is sloppy OR your idea is NOT well thought-out enough.  Consider to seize the CRITICISM as an opportunity, an improvement area for us to assess its feasibility and viability.  Maybe, some extra polish may make your work shine.  You can even thank your critic for it and get back to work [with a positive mindset].  Our takeaway:  CRITICISM may be done either in good faith OR bad faith and it behooves that we give it the benefit of the doubt way prior to 'digesting' it.  HOW TO HANDLE CRITICISM is not that steep to climb✅✅✅

Your Values In Life

Your Values In Life

We all live distinct daily lives BUT how far different should our VALUES be far apart?  BUT WHAT are your VALUES anyway?  Supposedly. your personal VALUES are a central part of WHO you are, and WHO you want to be.  By becoming more aware of these vital factors in your life, you can use them as a guide to make the best choice in any situation.  Some of life's decisions are really about determining WHAT you value most.  And WHEN many options seem reasonable, you can rely on your VALUES to point you in the right direction.  So, we got to agree that WHAT matters most are Your Values In Life📗📙📘

So, in a nutshell, WHEN how you live matches your values, life is usually good.  WHEN your existence DOESN'T align with your personal VALUES, that's WHEN things feel wrong and you may end up feeling unhappy.  So, HOW do you define your VALUES?  BUT more than anything else, your VALUES are the things that you believe are important in the way you live and work.  In fact, they should determine your priorities and deep down, they're probably the measures you use to tell if your life is turning out the way you want it to.  WHEN the things that you do and the way you behave matches your VALUES, life is usually good, you end up satisfied and content in fact.  BUT when these DON'T align with your personal VALUES, that's WHEN things feel wrong.  Oh Oh, that can be a potential source [and trigger] of UNHAPPINESS💥💥💥

This explains WHY making a conscious effort to identify your VALUES is so important.  So, HOW does VALUES help you? VALUES exist WHETHER you recognize them OR not.  Life can be much easier WHEN you acknowledge your VALUES and WHEN you make plans and decisions that honor them.  If you VALUE family BUT you have to work 70-hour weeks in your job [or your business], will you feel that internal stress and conflict?  And if you DON'T value competition, and you work in a highly competitive sales environment, are you likely to be satisfied with your job💧💧💧

In those types of situations, understanding your VALUES can really help.  WHEN you know your own VALUES, you can use them to make decisions about HOW to live your life and that should help you reach decisions like:

WHAT CAREER SHOULD I PURSUE?

SHOULD I ACCEPT THAT PROMOTION?

SHOULD I START MY OWN BUSINESS?

SHOULD I COMPROMISE OR BE FIRM?

Our takeaway:  Let's turn the tables around and ask ourselves the following basic questions:

WHAT VALUES ARE IMPORTANT TO YOUR LIFE?

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE KNOWN FOR?

WHAT QUALITIES OF OTHERS YOU ADMIRE AND YOU WANT TO REPLICATE IT TO YOURSELF?

AND HOW DO THOSE QUALITIES REFLECT?

Bottom line is, regardless of the directions you want to take in your life, everything runs a full circle back to your very own VALUES you embodied and embrace❗❗❗

Life Is NOT A One-Way Street

Life Is NOT A One-Way Street

Life is the biggest ocean in the world where the biggest bodies of water will converge to become one.  And a BIG chunk of that conglomeration are tons and tons of relationships between people.  For us to concur that life is a two-way street, we need to have that grasp of the essence of reciprocity in relationships.  WHEN it comes to personal connections, grasping that 'TWO WAY STREET' metaphor is fundamental to appreciating the essence of reciprocity in relationships.  This analogy illustrates the balanced give-and-take dynamic vital for nurturing healthy, authentic relationships.  Much like HOW traffic adheres to street boundaries to maintain flow, relationships flourish WHEN each person invests effort, fostering a sense of fairness and equality that bolsters the relationship balance.  That is why Life Is NOT A One-Way Street📙📘

As experts espoused, the psychological foundations of mutual exchange in relationships are deeply rooted in our evolutionary history.  Our innate drive for reciprocal interactions extends beyond transactional exchanges.  As studies show, it is woven into the fabric of our social being.  People's wanting for two-way communication and cooperation is a trait that has propelled our species forward, highlighting the significance of mutual exchange in relationships💎💎💎

For us laymen, examining things within the realm of psychology, two-sided relationships address our intrinsic desires for connection and validation.  Engaging in a two-way relationship dynamic transcends physical exchanges.  And this is a testament to our need for emotional reciprocity and interpersonal harmony.  This cycle of reciprocal support and validation NOT only strengthens individual bonds BUT also weaves a stronger community fabric, thereby enhancing our collective resilience and sense of belonging💦💦💦

In our life's journey, the dynamics of a partnership, whether it is platonic, romantic OR professional, are fortified by the principles of reciprocity and mutual respect.  That delicate balance of giving and receiving, alongside open and transparent communication creates an environment where individuals can thrive both independently and jointly.  The challenge at hand is for us to BALANCE the GIVE & TAKE.  That art of balancing GIVE & TAKE in personal relationships is akin to a dance WHERE partners move in synchrony, aware of each other's rhythm and pace.  It's a dynamic interplay that requires attentiveness and the willingness to adapt.  BUT if there is a wildcard in relationships, it revolves around COMMUNICATIONS.  At the core of a two-way relationship lies COMMUNICATIONS, serving both as a bridge and the buffer in the partnership.  BUT COMMUNICATIONS has its multiple layers we need to handle with dexterity💥💥💥

Our takeaway:  By prioritizing communications, partners can create a dialogue that goes way beyond mere words, encompassing non-verbal cues, emotional exchanges and the unspoken understanding that often develops over time.  That dialogue becomes the very heartbeat of a two-way relationship, sustaining and nurturing the partnership as it endures over time.  LIFE IS NOT A ONE-WAY STREET❗❗❗