Harbor Insights - February 2025

 Article by Isabella Scagliarini

HI!  Healthy relationships are the heart of a happy and balanced life. Whether it's with family, friends, a partner, or even yourself, forming meaningful connections helps us grow, feel supported, and overall enjoy life more. To foster these relationships, we need a strong base, a foundation of trust, communication, respect, and support. These things are all necessary to maintain any relationship. But they thrive with effort, when you show up. 

In a world where our phones are glued to our hands, quality time has become a rare and precious gift. We’re constantly scrolling, checking notifications, or thinking about the next thing we have to do. But the truth is, creating space to enjoy each other's company- whether it’s going for a walk, grabbing a bite to eat, or just having a good conversation without any distractions are the ones that strengthen bonds and make core memories. 

Making memories is a beautiful outcome of spending time with one another. These don’t have to be grand, Instagram-worthy experiences. Often, it's the little things, the inside jokes, spontaneous adventures, heart-to-heart conversations, or even running errands together are the moments you cherish the most. Those shared experiences create a bond that's hard to break. 

And let's not forget the relationship with ourselves. Spending quality time with yourself by journaling, taking a solo walk, practicing hobbies, or even reflecting is just as important as the time we spend socializing. It allows us to recharge, understand our own needs better, and develop more self compassion. When you invest in yourself and that much needed me-time, you can better show up for others in meaningful ways. 

By dedicating time to yourself and those you care about, you shift focus from surface-level interactions to meaningful experiences. When we find ourselves fully present, we notice the little things–our friend’s subtle smile, a partner’s thoughtful gesture, even your own inner-voice can be heard. These moments aren’t only about building stronger, healthier connections; they’re about creating a happier and fuller life. 

So, I implore you to disconnect and make an effort to be more present with the people you love. You’ll find that when you put the distractions away and focus on the people around you having a genuine conversation without glancing at screens or checking your notifications, and truly listening to others will make you laugh more, empathize deeper, and connect with those around you. And as those memories build and bonds strengthen, you’ll see just how much richer your relationships–including the one with yourself–can be.