Love Yourself and Everything Else Will Fall in Line ~ Lucille Ball
By Joe Cozzo
I frequently share my thoughts, witticisms, and advice on Facebook, calling it my “Take It or Leave it Free Advice Drive-through Clinic.” My latest has to do with balancing the importance of human connection with self-care and making good choices regarding friendships.
Life and relationships can be complex and, at times, physically and/or emotionally draining. Despite how difficult human connections may or may not be at times in our lives, personal relationships bring emotional support to our lives. Having someone to share your joys, sorrows, and everyday experiences with can help reduce feelings of loneliness, stress, and anxiety. It can also provide a sense of belonging and enhance overall well-being.
However, while human connections are essential for an emotionally satisfying life, we must always remember that, in developing relationships and making connections with others, we need to make and take the time to care for ourselves.
When choosing a path that life brings your way, or when selecting friends and relationships that enter into your world, remember to go where you are celebrated, not tolerated, and choose to be around people who adore you, not placate or minimize you in any way. If your life choices are draining you, if your friends can’t see the real value of you, it’s time for a new start.
Joe Cozzo is President and CEO of Buffalo Hearing & Speech Center (BHSC), a New York state Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Nationally Certified Trauma Counselor. Learn more about Joe and the extensive services provided by BHSC at www.askbhsc.org, and follow him at www.facebook.com/joe.cozzo.9.
