Good Evening, Everyone:

May all of you have a most blessed week!

I read the most interesting article this weekend concerning loneliness and its' effect on the hearts of women. Unfortunately, the researchers concluded that women who consistently suffer from loneliness have a 76% greater chance to develop heart disease than women who aren’t lonely.  The researchers also emphasized that loneliness did not indicate a lack of close relationships.  It was more of a “dissatisfaction with the overall quality” of a woman’s close relationships.  If you would like to read the full article, click on the link below:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/32493498/ns/health-heart_health/

Considering that women are the primary care givers within the family unit, this result should not be surprising.  Traditionally, women have always taken it upon themselves to nurture the emotional and psychological well being of their family members.  In many instances, wives and mothers will sacrifice their own well being to support the well being of their individual family members. Realistically, it’s not unusual for these sacrifices to be taken for granted.  Reciprocity is not always guaranteed within the sphere of human relationships.  Life simply is what it is!

Although, I’m not a wife or mother, I can relate to how it feels to be taken for granted.  Even in the workplace, women on the average still make less money than men but are usually imposed upon significantly more.  However, experience has taught me that “changes for the better” don’t instantly materialize, they’re purposely initiated. 

It’s only natural for people to have a “standard or ideal” in which to gauge their expectations. Although, there comes a time in which everyone has to make adjustments to their expectations based upon what is realistically obtainable according to the circumstances that lie before them.  Within all relationships, communication is crucial. People are not “mind readers”.  Without it, how can we determine whether or not our expectations are realistically obtainable?  More than likely our lives will not improve unless we actively initiate an effective dialogue with our loved ones.  If they love us, they’ll listen and we have to be willing to listen to their concerns, also.  It’s only natural to expect appreciation and support from our loved ones but to “make us whole”, no.  By doing so, we’re setting ourselves up for a “rude awakening”.  It’s unfair to expect everyone in our lives to completely conform to our individual hopes and wishes.  There are just certain voids in our lives that each individual has to address on his/her own terms.  Acknowledging this reality may be uncomfortable – even painful; but surprisingly it can become the most liberating epiphany you’ll ever experience. Take it from one that knows!  I’ve been there!

May Peace Be With All of You,