R - eciprocating
E – xpressing
L – istening
A – ccepting
T – ouching
E – volving

7. RELATING IS EVOLVING

And all of us, as with unveiled face, [because we] continued to behold [in the Word of God] as in a mirror the glory of the Lord,
are constantly being transfigured into His very own image in ever-increasing splendor and from one degree of glory to another; [for this comes] from the Lord [Who is] the Spirit.
(2 Corinthians 3:18 – AMP)

Love comes to those who still hope, even though they’ve been disappointed;to those who still believe, even though they’ve been betrayed; to those for whom love still heals, even though they’ve been hurt before.

- Anonymous

R - eciprocating
E – xpressing
L – istening
A – ccepting
T – ouching
E – volving

6. RELATING IS TOUCHING

Don’t begin by traveling to some far-off place to convert unbelievers. And don’t try to be dramatic by tackling some public enemy.
Go to the lost, confused people right here in the neighborhood. Tell them that the kingdom is here. Bring health to the sick. Raise the dead. Touch the untouchables. Kick out the demons. You have been treated generously, so live generously.
(Matthew 10:5-8 – The Message)

If the essence of my being has caused a smile to have appeared upon your face, or a touch of joy within your heart, then in living – I have made my mark.
- Thomas L. Odem

R - eciprocating
E – xpressing
L – istening
A – ccepting
T – ouching
E – volving

5. RELATING IS ACCEPTING

Whoever would foster love covers over an offense, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.
(Proverbs 17:9 – TNIV)

Consider how hard it is to change yourself and you’ll understand what little chance you have in trying to change others.

- Anonymous

R - eciprocating
E – xpressing
L – istening
A – ccepting
T – ouching
E – volving

4. RELATING IS LISTENING

To answer before listening – that is folly and shame. (Proverbs 18:13 – TNIV)

I know that you believe you understand what you think I said, but I’m not sure you realize that what you heard is not what I meant.

- Robert McCloskey

R - eciprocating
E – xpressing
L – istening
A – ccepting
T – ouching
E – volving

3. RELATING IS EXPRESSING
Oil and perfume rejoice the heart;
so does the sweetness of a friend’s counsel that comes from the heart.
(Proverbs 27:9 – AMP)

Someone to tell it to is one of the fundamental needs of human beings.

- Miles Franklin

R - eciprocating
E – xpressing
L – istening
A – ccepting
T – ouching
E – volving

2. RELATING IS RECIPROCATING

Iron sharpens iron; so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.
(Proverbs 27:17- AMP)

When we seek to discover the best in others, we somehow bring out the best in ourselves.

- William Arthur Ward

R - eciprocating
E – xpressing
L – istening
A – ccepting
T – ouching
E – volving

1. RELATING IS INTERACTING

As in water face answers to face, so the heart of man to man.
(Proverbs 27:19 – AMP)

Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another,
“What! You too? I thought I was the only one.”

- C. S. Lewis

I – nteracting

R – eciprocating
E – xpressing
L – istening
A – ccepting
T – ouching
E – volving

1. ACCEPT THE FACT THAT THINGS DO CHANGE

Remember that in the natural world, nothing is forever…neither the good, nor the bad. You will find yourself to be much less frustrated in life if you accept and embrace change when it comes, and decide to manage it, instead of trying to desperately cling to the familiar, and the comfort of the way things used to be.

2. ACCURATELY PINPOINT THE SPECIFIC CHANGE THROUGH WHICH YOU ARE GOING

Any change has implications on many levels, in different areas of our lives, so we tend to generalize all change that we experience. It’s important to stay focused on one aspect of the change by identifying what you are most afraid of losing as a result of it, and then understanding why that loss is uncomfortable or potentially painful for you.

3. ASSESS THE LOSS FACTOR

Regardless of how you perceive change…whether you see any particular change that you encounter as being ‘good’ or ‘bad’, there will most likely be a sense of loss that comes with it. It’s necessary to clearly define the change, and to recognize the areas of your life that will and won’t be affected as a result, if you can. Also, you must admit to yourself that loss is never easy, even though it is sometimes inevitable and even necessary.

4. AGRESSIVELY SEEK VALID INFORMATION

There’s always the temptation to doubt the facts, and to struggle to believe anything you hear, see or feel about the change with which you are dealing. Remember that knowledge is power…so write down information, ask straight questions, remain open to views that may be different to your own, listen to what you are being told, and be willing to think outside the box. And pray.

5. ADVANCE INTO YOUR FUTURE BY TAKING APPROPRIATE ACTION

Once you have information, then get some momentum going by taking both physical and mental action. Take one thing at a time…focus on taking the first baby step by setting priorities…but also recognize the danger zone. Typically, there comes a point where people choose to move on with the change, and discover the opportunities it brings…others just give in to the fear of the unknown and remain fearful, anxious and in denial about it. Both reactions are normal, but if you increase your small, regular action steps, you will keep that forward momentum going, which will generally keep you out of danger.

6. APPLY YOUR FAITH BY IDENTIFYING THE BENEFITS

Realize that all change has some benefits, and if you understand what the benefits of the change are, and recognize them for the great gifts they bring you…or bring out in you…then you can develop a proactive philosophy of life that continually says: “IF NOTHING CHANGES, THEN NOTHING CHANGES!”

7. ALLOW YOURSELF TO BELIEVE FOR THE IMPOSSIBLE

If you learn how to successfully transition in life, a time will come when you will say to yourself ,“CHANGE? WHAT CHANGE?” You will stop looking at the ‘change’ as something different, because you will have integrated both its challenges and its victories into your life, and will feel more stable and open to what the future may hold for you. Then you will use everything you have learned through the change for the next exciting and exhilarating (code:terrifying) change in your life! The Scriptures call that “Going from glory to glory”…

The simplest and best way to start reducing your stress is to focus as much as possible on doing one thing at a time. Clear your desk of distractions and pick something on which to work.  If you need to write a report, do only that. Remove distractions such as phones and email notifications while you’re working on that report, unless you are a true multi-tasker. If you’re going to do email, do only that. It takes some practice to pace yourself, and you’ll most likely get urges to do other things, but it can be done!

2. TRIM DOWN YOUR SCHEDULE.

Learn how to differentiate between what is important and what is essential. A hectic schedule is a major cause of high stress, so simplify your schedule by reducing the number of commitments in your life to just the essential ones. Say no to the rest, and slowly get out of commitments that just aren’t beneficial to you. Schedule only a few important things each day, and put a little space between them. Get out of meetings when they aren’t absolutely essential…the world can actually survive without you for a few minutes… leave some room in your life for down time and especially for fun. And remember that it won’t kill you to say “no”! 

3. TRY DOING SOMETHING CALMING EVERY DAY.

Find the thing which you enjoy doing that also calms you down, and do it every day if you can. For many people it’s some kind of exercise, but it could also be taking a nap, or a bath, or reading, or whatever. Some people are calmed by doing housework or gardening or yard work. Other people like to meditate, or take a nature walk…what calms one person down may stress out someone else, so you have to find your place of peace, and allow others to find theirs and honor it.

4. TRAIN YOURSELF TO SIMPLIFY YOUR FINANCES.

Finances can be a huge drain on your energy and a major stressor. If that’s the case with you, figure out ways to simplify things, such as  automated savings and bill payments and debt payments. Spend less…you don’t have to buy everything you want…and if you have a question about buying something, you probably shouldn’t.  Don’t fall for the “deceitfulness of riches”. Find ways to have fun that don’t involve spending money. Money (Mammon) is supposed to serve you…not the other way around!

5. TONE DOWN THE CLUTTER.

Go through a room at the time,  and get rid of the stuff you don’t use or need anymore. Look around at anything that’s cluttering up a room, and get rid of it or find a better place for it.  You may even have stuff that would be a blessing to someone else. When you’re done you’ll  have a nice, peaceful environment for work, play, and living. Do this a little at a time, and see it as something fun to do!

6. TREAT YOURSELF TO THE LUXURY OF BEING EARLY.

Being late can be very stressful. Try to leave earlier by getting ready earlier, or by scheduling more space between events. Things seem to always take longer than normal, so schedule some buffer time…extra time to get ready…to commute…to do errands before you need to be somewhere…to attend a meeting before another scheduled appointment. If you get somewhere early, especially first thing in the morning, you set the tone for the whole day!

7.  TRUST IN GOD.

Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he’s the one who will keep you on track. (Proverbs 3:5, 6 – The Message)