Improve Your Relationships

This week we’re talking about relationships. 

That may not seem like it has a lot to do with productivity, but I’m willing to bet most of us have experienced a time where interpersonal difficulties impacted what we’re able to get done.

And on the flip side — how powerful a genuinely supportive relationship can be, and how it can help us bring out the best in each other. 

To explore building healthy relationships, we have another round of inspirational quotes for you this week.

For each quote, we invite you to think about what it means to you. Take what you need from it, and use it to fuel your day.

"Boundaries teach people how to treat you, and they teach you how to respect yourself."

- Cheryl Strayed

Boundaries are all about showing others how to treat us.

When we set clear limits, we’re telling people what’s okay and what’s not. It’s like drawing a line in the sand that helps prevent people from crossing into our personal space — physically, emotionally, or mentally.

This means we can protect ourselves from unnecessary stress or hurt.

But boundaries aren’t just for others — they’re for us too. By setting them, we’re telling ourselves that we matter. It's a way of saying: "Hey, my time, energy, and peace are valuable too."

So, in a nutshell, setting boundaries isn’t just about keeping others in check — it’s about showing ourselves some love and respect. And the best part? When we do this, everyone wins. 

What do you think? How do you approach your own boundaries?

Prompts for Reflection 🤔📔

❓ What are the boundaries I currently have in place in my life, and how do they serve me?

❓ Where in my life do I struggle to set boundaries?

❓ What fears or beliefs come up when I think about setting boundaries?

“There is no greater gift we can give another person than allowing them to be who they are, rather than what we might want them to be."

— Saint Therese

Saint Therese's quote really gets to the heart of what it means to love someone for who they truly are, not who we think they should be. 

It’s so easy to get caught up in wanting people to change or be different, maybe because we think it would make them "better" or "happier."

But real love comes from just letting people be themselves, with all their imperfections and quirks. 

By accepting others as they are, we’re giving them the freedom to show up without fear of judgment. It’s a way of saying: “I see you, just as you are, and I love you for it.” 

And honestly, this doesn't just apply to how we treat others — it’s a good reminder for how we should treat ourselves, too.

If we can learn to accept our own flaws and uniqueness, we are better able to do the same for ourselves. 

Prompts for Reflection 🤔📔

🤨 In what areas of my life do I tend to try to change or "fix" others, and why do I feel the need to do so?

🤨 How do I feel when others accept me for who I am, without trying to change me?

🤨 How can I create more space in my relationships for people to be their true selves without judgment or expectations?

“Closed mouths don’t get fed, and people can’t read minds.”

— Bari A. Williams

This quote is a reminder that if we want something, we need to speak up. 

It’s easy to assume that people should know what we need or want without us having to say anything, but the truth is, they can’t.

Whether it's in our personal lives, at work, or in any other relationship, communication is key. If we’re not asking for what we need, how can anyone else know to give it to us?

This quote is also a nudge to stop holding back or staying silent out of fear or uncertainty.

We might hesitate to ask for help, express our feelings, or speak up for what we deserve. But the reality is, if we don't voice our needs, they’re often left unmet. 

In essence, this quote encourages us to take responsibility for our own needs. It’s all about being proactive and assertive, and trusting that the right people will respond when we speak clearly.

Prompts for Reflection 🤔📔

📔  Where in my life do I feel like I’m waiting for others to read my mind or meet my needs without me speaking up?

📔  Think of a time when speaking up got you what you needed or wanted. How did it feel to take that step?

“When you listen generously to people they can hear the truth in themselves, often for the first time.”

— Rachel Naomi Remen

This quote highlights the power of deep, attentive listening. 

It’s incredible how often we’re so focused on our own thoughts that we forget to truly listen to others. But when we do, we’re offering them a moment of self-discovery. 

When someone feels heard, it can bring out insights or truths they didn’t even realize they had.

It’s like a mirror that reflects their inner thoughts back to them in a way that helps them see things more clearly. This type of listening can be transformative, both for the person speaking and for the one doing the listening.

The beauty of this kind of listening is that it doesn’t require us to have all the answers or offer solutions. 

Sometimes, the most meaningful thing we can do is create a safe space for someone to express themselves and figure things out on their own.

It’s in that space that people often uncover their own truths for the first time.

Prompts for Reflection 🤔📔

🤔 Think about a time when someone truly listened to you. How did that make you feel?

🤔 When was the last time you took a moment to listen deeply to someone, without interrupting or thinking about your response? What happened in that conversation?

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We hope these quotes stay with you and encourage you to show yourself kindness in the ebb and flow of your life and relationshops.

P.S. If you could use help accomplishing your goals this season while still remembering to rest, please join us at one of our live guided work sessions, or morning planning sessions!

Take care,

— Darya, focused space host