The dictionary defines aura as "a distinctive atmosphere surrounding a given source."  When we describe the aura surrounding someone, we're typically referring to the atmosphere surrounding the person and the energy the person gives off. 

For instance, we describe someone as having a peaceful aura when we perceive an atmosphere of tranquility and calmness around them. 

Just as every person possesses a unique aura that radiates from them, we can think of every relationship as having its own unique aura as well. 

There are likely plenty of occasions where you choose to go out of your way for someone you care about.  It's a choice you make willingly, and you feel good about it.  But what about those times when it's not so much that you're willing, and more that you feel pushed, coerced, obligated, or motivated by guilt? 

If you've ever been pressured into going along with a situation you weren't entirely comfortable with to accommodate someone else's priorities, you know how unpleasant it is both in the moment and afterwards.  Depending on the circumstances, you may have been left feeling slightly uneasy, extremely uncomfortable, or perhaps completely overwhelmed.  If it happens repeatedly, you're liable to wind up feeling frustrated  and resentful.

It feels good to do good.  When you give of yourself, it benefits you as much as it does the person on the receiving end, often times even more so.  You feel energized in your body and fulfilled in your soul.

Plus, you never know the ripple effect your actions will have.  The smallest and simplest action you take can have far-reaching and lasting impact, beyond anything you could have foreseen or anticipated.
 
Here are five simple ways you can give of yourself to uplift others.

​If you’re committed to personal growth, you’ll be changing and evolving throughout the course of your life.  As you change inwardly, your outward behaviours will change as a result. ​As you change your habits and outward behaviours, this will lead to inner changes.
 
At some point, these changes will have an impact on your relationships. While this impact may be subtle at times, it may be quite dramatic in some cases.

Resilience: the ability to withstand difficulties and bounce back from setbacks. It goes without saying that resilience is a valuable trait to have as you move through life.  But how exactly do you become more resilient? 

Is building resilience a solo endeavour?  Is it simply a matter of toughening up so you can weather life’s storms without crumbling and falling apart?  ​

Even the best of friendships can encounter a bit of turbulence from time to time.  From feeling ignored and neglected, to feeling offended or taken advantage of, there are all kinds of issues that can crop up to sour a friendship.

Once feelings are hurt and emotions are running high, you may be tempted to call it quits and walk away from the friendship altogether. This is precisely when you need to hit the pause button and take time to reflect, so you don’t make a decision you later regret. 

​As you reflect, here are some questions to ask yourself before you cast a friendship aside.

It's completely normal for a relationship to experience some form of conflict from time to time.  Rather than trying to avoid conflict entirely, a more constructive approach is learning how to manage conflict effectively when it arises. 
 
Here are five strategies to help you manage conflict effectively.  In the process, you'll find that your relationships become stronger and healthier.   

No matter how much two people love and respect each other, they are bound to encounter a few bumps from time to time.  Whether it's a difference of opinion, a difference in goals, or a difference in values, at some point, these differences will lead to disagreements. 
 
Ideally, you want to get on top of those disagreements and resolve them before they escalate into antagonistic conflict.  Healthy compromise enables you to do just that.  But what exactly does healthy compromise look like?