Relationships are very important to me because in this life we all need other people to share our moments. Whether they are happy or sad moments we need someone to both cheer us on and to pick us up when times are hard.
Identify several people with whom you currently have positive relationships and/or partnerships
There are several people who I consider to be in my "inner circle" and I talk to on a regular basis. My husband is my bestfriend, I love doing things with him. Next is my mom and dad, I love these guys and I talk to them daily. My sister Ravonda is a wonderful person, she's very kind and loving and I can talk to her about anything. My brothers are funny and loving, I know I can count on them to help me with any need. I have a few girls that I am close to. Posha, I met her freshman year of college and we have been bestfriends ever since. Some of my soroity sisters (Ladonna & Lamonica) have been there for me during very special moments of my life. Such as baby showers, birth of my babies and my son's birthday parties.
Describe the ways in which each relationship is positive and factors that contributed to developing and maintaining each relationship
My husband helps be get through every trial in my life, he keeps me motivated to do better for myself and my family. To maintain this relationship I have to make sure I listen to him and treat him with love and respect. My parents are amazing, they are fun, loving and very supportive. To develop the relationship that I have today with my parents I opened the line of communication with them and I listen to their ideas and lessons about life. They are great teachers, very wise from past experiences. My sister and my brothers are very honest people and you can trust their judgement. Communication and not judging each other for any choices we have made in life have been key to keeping our relationships as good as they are today. Posha is very helpful and I can count on her for any and everything. Our relationship is maintained through excellent communication. My sorority sisters are fun people to hang out with and communication and always being there for one another is what keeps our friendships strong.
Describe insights regarding challenges to developing and maintaining relationships that you have learned from your experience over time
Challenges to developing and maintaining relationships that I had experienced all boiled down to communication errors. The lack of communication can harm a relationship, taking a comment made by a friend or loved one the wrong way can hurt feelings and leave people angry at one another for years. I have learned to just be honest with people and to inform them of my true feelings about something if I am hurt. I have also learned to forgive and try to forget; when people do me wrong.
What do you see as special characteristics of these relationships that make some, if any,
partnerships?
Special characteristics of these relationships consists of love and respect.
How might your experiences with relationships/partnerships, including your ability to be an active, reflective contributor, impact your work as an effective early childhood professional?
