The picture to the left is my brother in law, sister and myself on my 30th birthday. Who wants to turn 30?! I certainly didn't. My 30th birthday represented a reflection period. A time, where I looked back and said, wow, is this where I thought I would be? NOT an easy period to go through. You know who supported me, helped me, made me laugh, and made me realize that I was an amazing 30 year old? These people. My sister and her husband (who had only been married a few months at that time) really showed me how creating positive relationships can help personally and professionally. My relationship with my sister is similar to many other sibling relationships. It took us both getting past our early 20s before we really realized that we liked each other. After that, we became real, adult best friends. When she added her boyfriend/fiancee/husband into the mix, our little group was complete! I worked hard to create a positive relationship with them both individually and together as a group, which I think is one of the reasons why we continue to have a really positive relationship. I know that I can count on her husband, he can count on me, we all love her, and in the end, we can all share a beer and laugh at each other!
Great relationships are usually easy to continue with relative simplicity. It's those relationships that require a little bit more attention that are harder to keep going. In a world where Facebook, snapchat, Instagram, and other social media outlets give us all of the information we need, streaming live, on the internet, it's easy to lose real time communication with people. Facebook lets us see what they are eating, where they went for their birthday, how their children are doing in school, and many other personal details, so much so that sometimes I forget that it's important to have individual conversations with people on a regular basis.
The positive and negative relationships that I have had over the years has definitely had an impact on my experience as an educational administrator. I use bits and pieces from my life daily, whether it be communicating with a parent who is upset, counseling a teacher who needs advice, and even talking with a child who needs a little extra attention after a melt down. It's my belief that every relationship in my life has served a purpose, whether it be positive or negative. Every person has effected me, my professional and my personal life in one way or another.
Hi Machaela, I just want to say something first......30.....wait until 40!!!!!!!!!! The same important people will help you get through that number as well!! :)
ReplyDeleteIt has been great getting to know you over the last three courses and getting to know about the important people in your life. I remember the first time you introduced us to your "seester" in our Childhood Web and you talked about your relationship when you were younger. It reminded me so much of my brother, who tortured me when I was younger and now we have this great relationship! It's amazing to see how relationships change and alter as we get older and you explained that perfectly with your sister. I could relate with what you said about how you can count on each other which is such a huge part of positive relationships. You must feel lucky to have her in your life!!
It is also amazing to know that the skills we learn throughout our own personal experiences can be used in your professional life as well.
I am sure your sister feels the same way about you!!
Thank you for sharing!
Take care,
Stephanie
I really did enjoy reading your post. I agree with you that all relationships, the good and the bad, help mold us into the person that we are today. The best part about having such strong relationships, is that no matter what you may go through, you know there are always a few people in your corner that will support you no matter what! It's funny that now you feel like your circle is completed with your sister's husband. I feel the same way! My cousin has been dating this guy now for about four years and I consider him my big brother, and when we all have had a stressful week, we all can just grab a drink, eat good food, and just relax! Great post!
ReplyDeleteHi Machaela -
ReplyDeleteI love reading your post. I find it really amazing that I am not the only person who didn't really have a positive relationship with their sister until we were both adults. It sounds like you have a great support system in place for not only you, but for them as well.
I agree with you about each and every person who has come into my life (good or bad, positive or negative) has help me become the person I am today.
Looking forward to learning more!
Gena
Hello Machaela.
ReplyDeleteI could really relate to the section in your post where you talked about how you and your sister didn't become close until you both were adults. I had the same issues growing up with my brother. Now we get along great and are really close! I also agreed with you commented on the affects of social media on relationships. It is not easy maintaining real physical relationships when social media has transformed many into cyber relationships. Those real time, in person relationships are important.