Discussion Board 3: Relationship and Time

What are three things you learned from the homework related to making connections at work, communication, boundaries, toxic workplace, and/or professional mentors that you think is important to keep in mind for self-care.

Share with the group a positive. This could be a quote, song, picture, poem, happy memory.

I picked many lessons from the homework. I learned that building strong co-worker relationships is very important, but takes time and intentional effort. Creating positive relationships with colleagues boosts the motivation to face each day at work. The motivation emanates from the strong collaboration generated by good relationships (ChenMed, 2024). Such relationships reduce stress, promote collaboration, and create a supportive work environment. Investing time in small acts like sharing a coffee break or offering words of encouragement can foster trust and camaraderie, which help improve job satisfaction and mental well-being (ChenMed, 2024). I also learned the need to define limits in professional relationships to prevent burnout and maintain emotional energy. As we strive to treat the clients we handle compassionately, respectfully, and responsibly, we must be careful not to compromise our professional relationships with them (College of Psychologists and Behaviour Analysts of Ontario [CPBAO], 2025). These boundaries usually entail the scheduled length and time of a sessions, limits of personal disclosure, limits in the use of touch, having a consistent fee, and maintain a professional tone. Setting such boundaries can help maintain work-life balance and promote self-respect. It can also prevent legal issues associated with boundary violations and sexual abuse. In case problems arise, it is important to seek assistance immediately (CPBAO, 2025). Another lesson picked from the Relational-Cultural Theory is that connection and relationship with others can help us understand ourselves better. Interactions with colleagues and mentors can provide insights into our values, strengths, and areas of growth. We can then build these connections to support personal development and emotional resilience, which help in self-care (McCauley, 2013). In a period where globalization is the order of the day, there is significant potential for change in relational awareness and dynamics, besides the risk of spreading inauthentic, non-mutual relationships. A culture of “connected individualism” is necessary bringing together coordinated, collective effort of people at all levels, of all backgrounds to participate in an increased moral responsibility (McCauley, 2013).

A positive quote I would share is:

“You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.” - C.S. Lewis

The quote inspires me to stay focused on the present and use it as an opportunity for growth and improvement, both personally and professionally. Focusing much on our past disappointments, failures, and shortcomings can keep us distracted from realizing our potential.

References

ChenMed. (2024, April 17). The power of building strong work relationships. https://careers.chenmed.com/us/en/blogarticle/the-power-of-connection-building-stronger-relationships-with-coworkers

College of Psychologists and Behavioral Analysis of Ontario. (2025). Professional boundaries in health-care relationships. CPBAO Public. https://cpbao.ca/cpo_resources/professional-boundaries-in-health-care-relationships/

McCauley, M. (2013, March). Relational-cultural theory: Fostering healthy coexistence through a relational lens. Beyond Intractability. https://www.beyondintractability.org/essay/relational-cultural-theory