One day when counseling a friend about his relationship, I used a medical "pearl of wisdom" that we physicians use to heal bodies, and I applied it to his attempts to work out his relationship. It was then that I realized that many of these medical pearls also serve as excellent words of wisdom and guidance to promote healthier interpersonal relationships. I include eighteen such pearls in the "First Do No Harm" (in healthy relationships) chapter of Living Well, but I'll periodically share mini-excerpts of those pearls in the book with you here.
As we approach Valentine's Day, people are scrambling trying to find something to express their love to their honey. For some, this special day is the only day of the year when an effort is made to give a gift, a card, say sweet nothings (that really mean a lot) or have a special evening together.
With that in mind, I encourage you to "Assure Adequate Nutrition."
One of the most important duties of a doctor is the assessment, correction and upkeep of adequate nutrition for patients. Proteins, minerals, water, sugars and more are the building blocks of every cell in the human body. Without these building blocks, cells suffer, strength is reduced, wounds don't heal, and organs wither and die. In short, without ongoing and proper nutrition, life dissipates.
Adequate "nutrition" is also vital to sustain and promote the life of your relationship. Too often people stop feeding their relationship with the building blocks they used to first bring life to that relationship--love, laughter, fun, prayer, understanding, time together, communication.
These are just some of the necessary nutrients you must give your relationship on a regular basis (not only on Valentine's Day). When you withdraw these, for whatever reason--too busy with the kids, work, or other responsibilities pulling on your time--your relationship will suffer: The frequency of joyful moments is reduced, communication falters, any painful situations won't heal and the relationships themselves may wither...and perhaps even die.
Don't make your loving relationship a victim of "failure to thrive." Valentine's Day comes but once a year, but you want your love to last each day and forever. Feed it regularly with the emotional, supportive and vital nutrients it needs to be healthy, viable and vibrant for years to come.
Be Healthy, Be Blessed...and Live Well!
