Relationships-Part Two

There are a lot of different type's of Relationships.  There's the relationship between you and your boss, your co-worker's, your lover, your friends, your extended family, ie: Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, etc.. and your immediate family; Mom, Dad, Siblings, Grandparents, Spouse, kids....

But, no matter the relationship, It needs to be cultivated with Tender Loving Care!  Taking relationships for granted is something we all do at times, but the ones that have the strongest bonds, are the ones that you spend time on, every day.  The ones you constantly think: 'how can I let this person know I appreciate them?'

Life is way too short for conflict within relationships.  Especially those of family & friends!  If there's a rift in a particular relationship, ie: Dad!  Be the one to fix it.  Pursue it diligently. As in the case of your Father, Vin: He never learned how to express his feelings.  That was the main reason we split up.  I couldn't get him to talk with me, just talk.  He would never spend the effort to make me feel special in his life, and he was closed off emotionally to me.

He hasn't changed his pattern of behavior with his kids.  He Loves you, of that I have no doubt, but he doesn't know how to show you, to include you in his life.  So, therefore, it's up to you.

You have exhibited some of the same behavior patterns, and that scares me.  But, you're young enough to do something about it.  Go after that relationship with your Father.  Don't just let it slide, it's too important!

Your Dad isn't perfect, but he's a good man in many ways and I think you would both prosper from a relationship with each other.  Write him, apologize for hurting him that summer, even though you were just 15, and it's not wholly your fault, be the bigger man.  If you don't make an effort now, you may never get that chance.  I would hate for you to regret that!

As far as the other relationships in your life...Try making an effort to open up, don't be afraid of letting your feelings out, it can only help.  Let the people you care about know you care, with words and without.  

For example:  A phone call to me a couple times a month or more would speak volume's to the way you feel about me.  I don't just need to be told you love me, I, like most people need to be shown.  Being remembered on Mother's Day(more than a "happy mother's day" text!) would have meant the world to me.  I was told that you bought me something for Mother's Day and I was so touched!  But, here it is almost a month later and I haven't received so much as a card, OUCH!  It's not the gift or card that make the difference and warms my heart, it's the effort you put out in sending it. 

Putting forth a little effort can go a long way in any relationship.

DO'S AND DON'TS ON THE JOB

1st- Do Always work hard and do your best at everything. If you see someone working harder, work twice as hard as they  are! Without insulting them, of course, or trying to make a contest about it.
 
2nd-Do your absolute best at not burning bridges! If you work harder and better than even you thought you could do and always show respect to your boss, (like it or not) (like him or not). That way you can always count on getting a good reference, which is way more important than I ever thought. Try to leave a job in a good light, with plenty of notice so you can get a letter of recommendation before you leave. Even in your current situation, whether being paid under the table or not, that recommendation can really come in handy!!
 
3rd-DO Make work fun! Smile a lot! Hum while you work! This may sound silly and sometimes you have to force it, but it makes a huge difference not only in your day, but in that of the people around you, also!  The more you hate what you’re doing, the more you should hum, smile and only allow good thoughts into your head!  Don’t allow the negatives to enter your mind! Just try it, it really works!

4th- Don’t forget to thank your boss and co-workers whenever you can. MANNERS MATTER!!!!   For instance:  Show your boss how appreciative you are for the job. This is VERY IMPORTANT, Bubba!  If he doesn’t think you appreciate it, it wont be pleasant to work for him and it wont last!

5th- If you don’t know how to do something, never be afraid to ask.  I know you’ve never cared what people think of you, but sometimes it matters what they think. In this case, don’t worry about how you look by asking, what to you might seem like a dumb question, because you’ll really look dumb doing it wrong! 

 I think about you and what I can do to help you all the time, so I hope you don’t mind if I write you again and again with ideas as they come to me!
I love you more than anything on this earth, Vin’! You’re my light, my heart and soul!!!!!! Please, always take care of yourself and remember always, God and I have your back!!!

With Blessings and Love;
Mom