Hello, dear community,
Feels good to share with you my latest impromptu conversation, where Giancarlo and I delve into the complexities of long-term relationships. Reflecting on Neil Strauss’s insights, we explore a pivotal moment in our journey—realizing that our frustrations were not the fault of one another, but rather opportunities for personal growth.
Here are some key takeaways from the conversation
Taking Responsibility for Our Feelings: Our relationship, like many others, is a work in progress. We realized that by taking responsibility for our own emotions instead of blaming each other, we could cultivate deeper empathy and connection.
Honoring What's Alive: Giancarlo beautifully emphasizes the importance of honoring each other's emotional experiences. This means recognizing and validating feelings without rationalizing or dismissing them, a core principle of nonviolent communication.
Boundaries and Self-Care: While honoring each other's feelings is essential, setting boundaries is equally important. It’s crucial to communicate openly about the need for personal space and self-care without feeling responsible for fixing each other’s emotions.
Transforming Trauma into Wisdom: Our ongoing work in therapy and personal development has taught us the value of transforming past wounds into wisdom. By sharing our experiences, we hope to inspire others to embark on their healing journeys.
Finding Flow: Giancarlo shared his thoughts on finding oneself through flow—the state of being so absorbed in an activity that it feels effortless and natural. For him, this occurs when helping others heal, a profound way to turn personal struggles into collective growth.
We hope these reflections resonate with you and provide some food for thought in your own relationships. Remember, growth is a journey, and every step forward, no matter how small, is significant.
Warmly,
Stephanie & Giancarlo
Navigating Long-term Relationships with Embodied Compassion