Emotional Investments

In a world where material wealth is constantly being chased after, many of us are somewhat ignorant of, or even neglecting what really makes us human- our feelings and emotions. Investing in property, in the stock market, in businesses.. So much so that financial advisors are so sought after by many. But what about emotional investments? Do we often think of that? Or do we find it so useless, so boring, so meaningless.. that we actually discard most of it?

Emotional investments. Sounds like a big word huh? Well, in a sense, it is. It can make a person's day; it can last an entire lifetime; and some investments can even generate endless returns. Talking trash? No way. I've heard of stories, where a simple gesture of offering another person help at work, actually paved the way for a couple to eventually walk down the aisle as man and wife. (Certified true story) How about having friends who lasted through the years.. through your ups and downs, the rain and the shine, the tsunami and through the haze..? Have we not invested our time, our emotions and our efforts in making friendships last?

The truth is, some of us are aware of this, some of us are doing great at it.. and well, some of us would definitely need to get a copy of 'Emotional Investments for Dummies'. For the rest of us, what is it that is hindering us from involving ourselves from others' lives? Is it the fear of being rejected? The fear of being exposed? Or perhaps, the very real fear of being hurt..

Personally, I have been through most, if not all of the above. What I find really scary, is that we would never know if we would receive anything in return. After spending so much time and effort, we really wouldn't want to be reciprocated with a cold shoulder..

Nonetheless, I would think that we probably wouldn't survive without taking these bold steps and face the uncertainties in relationships. As the saying goes, 'No man is an island,' (Ladies too!) we most certainly cannot survive without investing in friends. Spending quality time, just doing stuffs that you would enjoy doing with others.. talking for hours on the phone.. or jamming away in a studio. It all takes time and deeply involves our emotions..

So, what are we going to do about it? Well, for me, it is just putting our heart and soul in everything that we do. Not just in our work and play, it is especially important in relationships. Mean what we say. Being a friend requires commitment and honesty. To me, being a friend is like making a promise--And promises are meant to be kept, not broken. Similiarly, we should not be making a promise we can't keep; nor should we commit ourselves to be a friend if we are not willing to do so.

Emotional Investments. Are they really hard to do? Well, to sound super GP-ish-- Yes, and No. Yes in the sense that it requires a great deal of courage, patience and lots of love. No, because when we invest in the right people with a right purpose, the returns we reap are many times fold.

Well, am I willing to start working to become an accomplished emotional investor? You bet!

Now.. how about you? =)