Our previous column talked about how to “live a 1,000 years” by focusing on the things that really matter and making it a point to enjoy life. One of the most important things in our lives are the relationships we have with others. We as human beings have an innate desire for intimacy. The desire to be cared for and care for others is what allows us to live more fulfilling lives. Relationships with others can be rewarding in many ways. It becomes much more meaningful to share common experiences and interests with others whom we care about. If we have experiences but no one to share them with, it almost seems like a waste of time.

I (Mark) have had a habit of watching certain reality TV shows lately. My family teases me because I have become a fan of “Project Runway” which is about a group of fashion designers (not the show you would think a manly man like myself would watch, but I guess I am comfortable enough in my manhood to admit it, and Tim Gunn seems like such a good-hearted guy) brought together in a competition that has great rewards and opportunities for the winner.

Each week, one of the designers is voted off  (host Heidi Klum says “one of you will be out.”) In the most recent show, the designer that was voted out took the time to address each of the remaining designers, referring to their time together as like spending time with “family” and pointing out a positive character trait of each of the friends she was tearfully saying goodbye to. It struck me what a short amount of time these people had spent with each other and yet how deeply bonded together.

This was caused by their common interest in fashion and going through this very exciting but stressful competition together.  Even though this was a short period of time in their lives, it would be one that they each would undoubtedly never forget. The departing designer referred to those she was leaving behind as her “friends.” In thinking about the term friend, it is about closeness and sharing.

When I think of some memorable experiences in which I have bonded with people, they were also relatively short periods of time in which I was sharing a common meaningful experience. It seemed more meaningful because I was sharing it.  At the age of 14, I went on a 10-day canoe trip, roughing it in the wild with a group of men. We canoed all day and traveled across many lakes in the boundary waters of Minnesota and Canada. To get from lake to lake, we had to portage across land to the next lake. That meant picking up the canoes and all of the supplies and physically carrying them to the next lake. This was hard work and it meant working together.  The trip was truly roughing it, but when we got back to civilization, we felt a bond with each other.

I previously wrote in another column about my long-distance motorcycle trip with my college roommate Kelly to places like Yellowstone, Jackson Hole, Sturgis and Mt. Rushmore. We definitely bonded on that trip.

I have been fortunate in my life to bond with some quality people. My best friend, my wife Lisa, my immediate family, but also people like my business partner Nolan who writes this column with me, the people I work with at my office, my church family, my high school and college friends, my bandmates and many others. Some of my best friends are those who I may not talk to for long periods of time, but when we do, we pick up right where we left off.  Relationships are one of the most important things in life. As you take the time to enjoy life, remember to enjoy your relationships and cherish the time with those you care about.

For more information about The Retirement Guys, tune in every Saturdayat 1 p.m. on 1370 WSPD or visit www.retirementguysradio.com. Securities and Advisory Services are offered through NEXT Financial Group Inc., MemberFINRA / SIPC. NEXT Financial Group, Inc. nor its representatives provide tax advice. The Retirement Guys are not an affiliate of NEXT Financial Group. The office is at 1700 Woodlands Drive, Suite 100, Maumee, OH 43537

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This entry was posted on Friday, October 8th, 2010 at 9:15 am and is filed under Retirement Guys, Toledo Business Link.
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