connect with the people in my life more deeply

Yesterday, I woke up anxious. So I put on my running shoes and got moving.

I walked 11.5 miles – all the way to my dad and step-mum’s house (whom I hadn’t talked to in months). I spent some QT with my step-mum and step-sister and played with my nephew and niece. I always loved these people, but because the relationship I have with my dad hasn’t always been concrete, I’ve neer really gotten to know them. For the first time Keegan and Skyelar (my nephew & niece) weren’t so shy around me – for any time before they were too afraid to sit near me. I got to see my grandma (whom I also haven’t seen in over 4 months) and though my dad wasn’t home, we talked on the phone for a good hour. We hadn’t talked since March and it had been eating me up inside ever since.

My sister and I have gotten to be a lot closer now that we’ve grown up. We’ve experienced a lot of life so far. We’ve both recently moved back with our parents (she just finished school and I just screwed up again) and it’s almost like old times, but we relate to eachother a lot more. She just got a job where I’m working – I can’t wait to spend more time with my found-again friend:)

I guess I never really gave myself credit for doing this in the past before. Since I’m much more open to convo’s (w/ anyone, not just a select few) that helps to put myself out there. I try to turn small talk into meaningful talk each time. I do this by asking peoples opinions and then I give mine. I’m not always looking for a debate but it can be fun sometimes, actually having to think to back up my opinion.

I’ve done other things I think apply to this goal. I wrote my boyfriend a note expressing how I was madly in love with him. He once asked me, “Why do you love me?” It caught me a little off guard at first but then I really thought about it. I wrote every possible thing I loved about him down until my hand started to go numb. He changed my life, and I wanted him to know.

Like I said before sometimes when I feel the conversation needs some kick I’ll turn small talk into meaningful talk. Like if so-and-so asks you how the weather is where you live you can explain but then talk about the restoration of New Orleans after Katrina. It doesn’t always have to be about something serious. I think I used to be afraid to initiate these kinds of converstations. God forbid they find out my political stance. No. That’s what makes life more interesting, expressing yourself and hearing others express themself. I’ll continue working on this one because I know it will benefit me & others tenfold.

I’ve come to realize I have so many aquaintances, but hardly any true friends. Id like to know people more deeply and have trusting relationships with them.

I found the best way to learn about someone is simply ask questions about them. People usually like to talk about themselves. And it’s nice to know someone is listening to what you have to say. I still think I need to work on this though. Sometimes it’s hard to get to know someone when they avoid questions.

Bottom line: Don’t interigate, ask when you want to know and they seem open to talking.

My Parents 4 now I’m thiking ‘bout ‘em the most. They r the most Important Ppls that I’ve ever have in my Life’s time. I would loves 2 help they out as much as a I can.