Building and maintaining strong relationships are key to our happiness, emotional well-being, and sense of belonging. Jamaicans are nurturing and supportive by nature. We understand the importance of a strong community and deepening our connections with others. Often, however, we lose sight of what it takes to build and maintain these relationships.
The experts say we must first build trust, respect, and good communication. These pillars require honesty, open communication, and recognizing others’ boundaries while expecting them to respect ours. With these pillars, we can become more reliable by showing up for people and being supportive. They also help us be honorable by keeping our promises and commitments.
We must also practice empathy and gratitude for others. Empathy involves listening to and understanding others, which fosters trust and connection. Building strong relationships requires mutual effort and compromise from both parties.
As we build strong connections and relationships with others, we find out that to appreciate others we must first truly appreciate ourselves. This means taking the time to know ourselves— knowing what we like and dislike and finding inner peace that we can share with those in our circles.
Journaling, meditating, and spending time alone are great ways to become self-aware. These practices give us time to reflect and guide us as we work towards maintaining the important connections, whether wid wi fren dem, family, or a spouse. When wi know and value wi self, we are better equipped to connect with others in meaningful ways.
By applying these steps, we can develop effective communication, and deeper connections, and create an environment for growth. There’s a popular saying: “Seek a friend before you need one.” In the same breath, we can all agree that “good friends are better than pocket money,” so it’s important to see the value in nurturing our relationships and connections.
We are one love, one people! Let’s begin to strengthen our communities, and we will come to understand the deeper importance of having strong relationships. Here’s to building and maintaining connections.