5 Questions for a Relationship Audit

As we enter into another shift, whether it looks like moving into more social spaces or back into quarantine solitude — transitions offer us the opportunity to pause and conduct a life audit. One of the most important things to check in with are your relationships. Who are you surrounding yourself with? Are they bettering you or stirring up cynicism and doubt? Do you feel calm or relief in their absence?

Becoming more conscious of the people in your physical and emotional space is essential, especially when you’re building a dream. This is why I spent the path month, interviewing many people to find the right fit for the MM team. They say 'hire slow and fire fast' - right? When it comes to your deep passion, new project on the horizon or intimate relationships, surrounding yourself with the right people will make all the difference in the world.

If you’re unsure about how to begin reflecting on this, ask yourself these questions about the people you surround yourself with:

1. Do they live with integrity?

2. Do they encourage you towards freedom, creativity, and your best self?

3. Are they genuinely curious about themselves, others, and the world around them?

4. Do they say what they mean and mean what they say?

5. Do you mutually value and respect each other?

You're Not Lazy, You Need a Break

It’s hard to feel 100% all of the time. When we find ourselves overwhelmed by work commitments, family, and what feels like a mountain of stress, we are so much more likely to experience burnout and exhaustion. A recent Gallup study found that two-thirds of workers experience burnout -- shocking I know. Instead of waiting for the physical and emotional effects to take place (exhaustion, anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances, etc.) it’s more important than ever to learn to incorporate rest in your routine to maximize your effectiveness at work-- and outside of it. If we weren’t in a global pandemic, it’s likely that by this time of year you would have taken some time off to recharge your batteries. But given the heightened stress and anxiety of the current season we’re in, I can’t emphasize it enough: YOU ARE NOT LAZY IF YOU NEED A BREAK. Even if you can’t take a trip or vacation, there are ways you can prioritize your mental and physical health before it’s too late. Whether it’s a yin yoga class (great options on YouTube), going to bed earlier, sleeping in, immersing yourself in nature, doing a social media detox or booking a massage -- find ways you can increase your resilience to withstand the stress we are constantly bombarded with. Give yourself permission to reset and recharge. It’s the only way you can bring the best of yourself to everything you do.

Same, Same But Different

As the world is starting to open up, and beginning to resemble a little bit of what “normal” life looked like, this is an opportunity to get really honest with yourself. An opportunity to reflect and make conscious decisions about how you want to live your life when things get back to full blast in the coming months. If you haven't already checked in with yourself, now is the time. Can you create some time and space to process and get clear on the good that you can take away from this global pandemic and the events that have unfolded in the last few months? Whether it’s resilience, personal relationships, your career, prioritizing your health, or anything else -- what are the areas you want to invest into even more this year? On the other hand, can you get clear on what habits, beliefs, or patterns you can shed to make room for your best self? This can be quitting that job that makes you unhappy, leaving that relationship that’s draining you, or leaving anything behind that doesn’t elevate you.

By taking the time to get clear on the direction you want to take, you can make a conscious decision to design your life in a way that feels inspired, connected, and aligned. This work is hard, it brings up emotions -- but I promise it will help. Whatever you’re working through right now, remember it won't be like this forever. Keep your head up -- things will get better.