The Common Denominator

Happy Thursday!!

I am a part of a social media networking group on Facebook titled Venus vs Mars (VVM) under the auspices of Urban Angels, LLC. VVM bridges the gap of communication between professional men and women. It is an open forum to discuss mature topics related to family, life, love, friendships, relationships, etc.

Last night one of our members posted a question about relationships in reference to the ability to identify when and if a person is the 'right' one. I loved this question! All of my past relationship faux pas flooded back into my mind. It triggered thoughts about my personal decision-making process when it came to all of my relationships, not just with intimate partners.

There was a time in my life that I blamed everyone else for failed relationships, whether they were familial, professional, social, personal, etc. Like most of us, it was during my darkest night that I had an epiphany that I was the common denominator in all of my relationships. A list of questions about my authenticity followed this blinding revelation:

• Who am I? 
• Am I being genuine? 
• What am I adding to others' lives? What am I depleting from them? 
• What are my hang-ups, weaknesses, and idiosyncrasies? 
• What are my true motives and intentions?   

These questions forced me to do a heart-wrenching self assessment. Thus, I realized that I was the problem in most of relationships. Not excusing others' behaviors, but I had to stop blaming others and take responsible for my attitude, actions, and responses.

Knowledge alone is not power. The knowledge that you apply to your life's situations is power. Therefore, with the knowledge that I am the common denominator in my life, my decision-making process is based on my authenticity. I know what I am bringing to the table. Do you?

Why?

Because you were created with greatness.