I'm back!

By G. Scott Graham, on 30-06-2008 12:53

Published in : , Foundation

Hello everybody...

I am back after a brief hiatus this Spring. I use the word hiatus because it was not a struggle with procrastination or other personal issues to be dealt with & managed more effectively. It was a result of a choice to cultivate some new areas -- namely Hikes with Scott and renew some old areas -- like financial planner education. Plus there is Compass.

Hikes with Scott is going well -- I've met some great gay men. And I am getting more fit. The Presidential Traverse in July will be cake!

I am moving ahead with my financial planning education -- a critical issue for many people and a good constellation of skills to add to my coaching toolbox.

Then there's Compass -- our Jack Russell Terror -- I mean Jack Russell Terrier -- puppy. Brian wants to breed her, so we have been laying the foundation so that when Compass is ready-to-go, we are ready-to-go.

Changes.

Changes.

Changes.

They can pose a BIG challenge for couples.

Not for us.

We have done preventative maintenance with a professional. Interestingly most couples don't do this. They treat their car better than their relationship.

When is the last time you took your relationship in to a professional for a tune up? When is the last time you took your life in to a professional for a balance & alignment?

Sure you do do things in your relationship -- dinners, concerts, recreation. These are important -- very important -- but they are like washing & waxing your car -- or cleaning the interior -- or getting your oil changed -- or putting fuel in your gas tank. They keep your relationship running. They keep outside forces -- like relationship rust -- at bay. That's all.

Just like any car owner would not mistake these basic tasks as enhancing their car's performance or preventing problems, don't mistake these actions as enhancing your relationship performance or preventing relationship problems.

Most people acknowledge the result of neglecting preventative maintenance on their car is disaster. Expensive repairs. Breakdowns. Towing. Accidents.

Most people don't wait until they rear end someone to have the brakes checked. Most people don't wait until they hydroplane off the road on a rainy day to have their tires checked.

Unfortunately most people ignore preventative maintenance with their relationships.

They take action only after a breakdown or accident.

Cars end up towed for body work or an engine rebuild -- if they aren't totaled.

Relationships end up in therapy or in a lawyer's office working out issues like child custody and who gets the house -- if they aren't totaled.

What professional preventative maintenance are you doing? Where will your relationship end up?