“We can’t grow outside of relationships.” is a quote I believe to be true. Looking at the relationships I’ve had in my life, I can see the growth and development many of the people I’ve been fortunate enough to get to know have made in my life. Excellent friends, family, mentors, business partners, and even romantic relationships have had a hand, alongside my own identity, in shaping and developing me.
The right person can be a source of inspiration, strength, and affirmation for who you are. In the same token, they can also bring correction and tough love that others may not have the courage to give you. “Anything easy ain’t worth a damn.”
Across the boards, I’ve met those who have displayed themselves to be not worth staying in relationship with. Friends that don’t stand the test of time, nor care to invest equally in maintaining a friendship…unethical individuals not worth staying in business with…the manipulative, abusive, and disrespectful. Like poison, these types of people may be capable of being masked for a short while, only to cause you to choke eventually.
A mentor of mine once told me that the type of people he values are similar to those who climb a mountain. “Aaron, there are some people who will walk with you to the base of the mountain. Some might even go so far as to take a few steps up the hill with you. Yet, it’s those who are willing to climb the mountain with you, through thick and thin, that I want to spend my life with.”
When you climb a mountain, you may not always be in sight of those climbing the same mountain. However, as you go through your life and conquer the obstacles and challenges it throws at you, reaching nearer the summit, you eventually begin to meet those who have made the same sacrifices to reach its peak.
It is such a joy to meet and get to know the people who have been climbing their personal mountain. Sometimes they are a few steps ahead of you – capable of offering support – other times they may be a few feet below you, in need of a hand.
I believe this is a very key component of romantic love. Life takes us through twists and turns as we climb. Some choose not to climb through the difficult circumstances – or simply give up – while others press forward and inch towards their goal. I’ve met somebody in this way who has climbed through a plethora of obstacles and has made a conscious effort not to quit along the journey. All of the obstacles and difficulties I’ve faced – and continue to face – feel as if they’ve been worth it to reach this very moment in time. And I am able to look back at the challenges with a smile, knowing those steps led me here. It’s also an incredible feeling to know you can look at future challenges with a smile, knowing you are no longer climbing alone.
My parents were a very good example of this, as they supported each other through various trials in their journey. I recall my father comforting my mother through very harsh circumstances, as a rock of support. And I also watched as my mother helped my father face his final challenge of cancer, remaining strong and supportive to the end.
That’s the kind of imperfect perfect love I believe in. None of us are capable of living without failures or mistakes. However, it’s the outstretched hand that reaches to catch us when we fall, or the strong hand we extend to our significant other when they do, that creates a strong bond of perfect love, capable of lasting a lifetime.
Featured Image From Deviantart
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