Wellness is one of the “hottest” health words of the 21st Century. There are wellness programs and products everywhere. However, I am not too sure most people know what it means. Although it can be defined differently by many people, wellness is simply being healthy physically, spiritually, socially. For a woman to have balance and peace, each component of wellness should be a part of a healthy lifestyle. This week, let’s focus on Social Wellness.
Social Wellness can be defined as a person seeking positive, interdependent relationships with others, and developing healthy social behaviors. In today’s busy world, I am deeply saddened by the lack of true friendships between women. Because of hectic schedules, pride, insecurities, and life’s demands, it can be easy to avoid investing time and energy into healthy relationships.
I have to be honest, there was a time many years ago that I fell into that category. I was a busy woman, could handle things on my own, and did not feel the need to truly invest in real friendships. Oh, I had many “friends,” but not quality relationships.
Through the years, God has allowed me to go through struggles physically and emotionally that completely humbled me and brought me to the place where I realized I cannot do it alone. During those times, if I did not have my “girlfriends” to give me Godly wisdom and encouragement, a shoulder to cry on or help with life’s demands, I do not know if I would have survived.
We, as women cannot let our pride, insecurities, anger, bitterness or busy schedules allow us to think we have to handle this life all on our own. God did not create us with that intention. John 15:13 says “Greater love has no one than this, that he (she) lay down his life for his friends.”
WHAT IS A FRIEND
I ask you today to stop and observe if you are surrounded and invested in positive, healthy friendships. If not, is it time to leave your “normal crowd” or to begin investing in the good friends you do have? Remember social wellness is not just being “social.” It is developing healthy social behaviors.
A good girlfriend is:
- an encourager
- a helper in time of need
- a confidant
- someone to hold you accountable to what is right and wrong, not what you think
HOW TO MAKE GOOD FRIENDS
Even as women, we can get uncomfortable when trying to make new friends or being vulnerable with the ones we have. Here are a few ways that I have had to learn.
- Get involved and out of your comfort zone by attending a positive social gathering that is different from what you would normally do.
- Throw a small party.
- Identify one person in your circle that shows the qualities of a positive friend and invest time with her one on one.
- Be willing to be vulnerable.
- Distance yourself from the wrong friends so that you have room for the right ones.
Begin today working on a well balanced life and discover how you can become more socially healthy. Why not call a girlfriend and go have lunch?
In Good Health,
Crystal
About Crystal Breaux
I love your definition of wellness – – being healthy physically, spiritually, socially. That definitely takes the thought off just exercise, but being made whole in every area of our life. Ironically, today, I am having lunch with a friend. Great points on social wellness and friendship.
Thank you, Crystal, for this great reminder about our social wellness. Life is busy, and it’s easy to think a friend will always be there to “fall back on” when I have time. But the truth is that time never comes unless I make it happen. So thank you for giving me the push to purposely make that connection starting today. 🙂
You are right Clella. We have to invest in friendships
Oh good for you. Have a great lunch
Crystal this is a struggle for me right now. Thank you for sharing. Hardest part for me is being vulnerable. Love ya!
Rhonda I will be praying for you and yes we have to be vulnerable at times to experience true friendships which was a struggle for me at one time too (and still can be) because of my pride. I would have to show the “real” me which is not always pretty
Thanks again
Crystal Breaux
I think sometimes we stay in unhealthy friendships because we are afraid of the confrontation that may come with it if we need to step away from it. Being in any kind of unhealthy relationship is very taxing on our bodies, and can cause more stress than we should take on. We need to have the ability to confront the friend with what is unhealthy, and if that doesn’t work, then it’s time to step aside and let go of that relationship. If we trust God to lead us with the right words to say to this friend, or how to handle the situation, He will never lead us astray! And who knows, maybe that confrontation is just what the friend needed to see where he/she can trust God more, or make improvements. GREAT article today, Crystal!! Thank You!!
Christi. That is do good and you are right. Great point.
so appreciate your encouragement on this, crystal! God has placed us into His Family for the purpose of relationships that bring us closer to Him, and bring honor and glory to Him! <3