I spent this past weekend camping in the forest and listening to live music.
Which is an interesting mix.
The music unites and shines a light on everybody’s best—most joyful, relaxed, playful—side.
And the camping challenges and brings out a side of people that’s usually hidden—the cranky, stressed, irritable—side.
…Generally speaking, of course,
And I point this out because both are important. Not only to seek out when building relationships with others, but to reflect on as you build up the relationship you have with yourself.
Being “joyful, relaxed, and playful” when you’re well rested, around incredible energy, and hearing music that vibes with your soul—is easy. Again, generally speaking.
Being “joyful, relaxed, and playful” when you’re sore from walking/dancing, around irritable energy, and hearing comments and sounds that mess with your vibe? …Not so easy.
…But incredibly impressive and reflective of a person who has done their inner work.
Which isn’t to say you should never be cranky, stressed, or irritable. Those emotions are certainly signals that are most likely signaling things about your environment you should take note of and/or change.
…But it could just as likely be signaling things about yourself that you should take note of and/or change, too.