Learning our ABCs is the beginning of learning how to communicate. They are the foundational building blocks upon which languages are built. Once the alphabet is committed to memory, one can never unlearn it. When letters are combined, they hold meaning. Acceptance, Boundaries, and Communication were the ABCs of 2023 for me. Combining these life skills has given deeper meaning to my relationships.
The most valuable ABCs of the past year came from the most challenging times. Repeatedly, life reminded me of the importance of acceptance, boundaries, and communication. Time and time again, I had to apply acceptance for situations I had no control over. This, I realized, includes most of life. Boundaries, I discovered, are for the benefit of both parties. There was plenty of opportunity to practice better communication, too. The result has been less chaos and more peace. Healthier, happier relationships are the most meaningful rewards from these three actions.
Acceptance, boundaries, and communication are as fundamental to strong interpersonal relationships as A, B, and C are to the alphabet. Many times, the lessons were hard to apply. The more often these principles are practiced, the more they become second nature. A, B, and C are the start from which other meaningful personal skills can follow. In 2024, I will continue applying these lessons while adding a few more building blocks.
