When you have long-term relationship, there is something special that happens over time.

You have this other person that shares your life and witnesses the moments. So, you can say to them, “Do you remember when Josh tried to climb that tree, fell, and broke his arm?”

Or you can say, “Do you remember when I was laid off 15 years ago from Company XYZ? We’ve come a long way since then.” They nod yes with a knowing smile.

Or it could be a colleague and you look at each other during a staff meeting. The look says it all. Your eyes meet and you know you are both thinking, “There goes Bob again. He is being the micro-manager he has always been.” Or the look is related to the Karen in accounting that must control everything.

When you don’t have that witness to your life over extended periods of time, it can feel like something is missing. The present moments and the memories can be lonely when you don’t have a witness.

I hope you each have a witness. A partner, friend, spouse, colleague, or family member that you can share things with over the long-term.

And if you don’t have one, please be intentional and take the time to develop this type of long-term relationship. It matters. A lot.

#connection #community #support #tobeseen #tobeheard #understanding #leadership