Like never before, last year revealed to me the importance of relationships.

Strong, healthy, genuine relationships.

Formerly a self-proclaimed "loner," I've finally admitted to myself that most things are better with people you deeply care for, and people who care deeply for you.

• Deeply enough to jump through the health & safety hoops of a pandemic to reach you.

• Deeply enough to have an uncomfortable conversation about racial injustice and white supremacy.

• Deeply enough to walk through an intention-setting session and ask the tough questions that will help you grow together.

If it were easy, everyone would do it. But mindfully tending to your bonds with your friends, family, and romantic partners is work.

Here are some questions that might help:

• Who is always in my corner, even if they don't fully understand where I'm coming from?

• Who is worth reaching out to for help? And why haven't I yet?

• Who in my inner circle could use my help? And why haven't I offered it yet?

• Whose time have I been taking for granted? And do I want that to change?

• How do I increase the quality (if not quantity) of time I spend with _____?