I was on a hike a couple of years ago, listening to a podcast with a neuroscientist. At the end of the interview, the host asked the guest a final question to summarize the interview. The question went something like this, “What is one thing our listeners can do to keep their brains healthy and active over their life span.”
I can picture exactly where I was standing on the trail, the moment deeply marked by the simplicity and beauty of his words. The answer sent a jolt of energy rocketing down my spine, creating an electric feeling of YES, YES, YES, pulsating throughout my entire body.
His answer:
“Be in healthy relationships. Stay in healthy relationships.”
YES! YES! YES!
That’s the work I have committed my life to. I sit with people all day long, not to simply work through depression and anxiety, etc. I sit with people, listening to their sacred stories as they work to navigate the hurts and healings that come in and through relationships. They’re working for healthy relationships.
But I don’t just do relational work as a career. It’s the work of my life, too. Heck, it’s the work of all of our lives! To BE in healthy relationships and STAY in healthy relationships!
….and….speaking of staying….
I’ve been friends with this crazy crew of Aggie girls for over 35 years. We don’t all get together as often as we’d like, but when we do, watch out world! We are like Olympian conversational masters, listening and asking, asking and listening, with lots of laughter dumped in for good measure. We could win gold medals for deep conversations, if there were such a thing! We had a whirlwind 24 hours together last weekend and my heart continues to linger in the gratefulness of it all. I am so thankful for my friendship with these amazing women.
So how about we all commit to keeping our brains healthy and keep working at this relational thing, together?
