Wellness Wednesday: Five Things I've Learned in Five Years of Marriage

It's another beautiful Wellness Wednesday, and I'm happy to share something very personal today. 

On this date, five years ago my husband and I united in holy matrimony. Like most couples, our relationship has had its share of highs and lows, ups and downs, mountains and valleys. Despite it all, I'm one of the luckiest girls in the world, and couldn't imagine myself with anyone else. 

So as part of my weekly link-up, I thought I'd share 5 Things I've Learned in 5 Years of Marriage: 

It takes two. Marriage is no walk in the park, and if it was there would be more folks together. As I stated before, not every day has been "peaches & cream," but we've endured more happy days than bad ones. 

It takes work. And by that I don't mean 50/50 or 60/40. It's more like 100/100. Both of us doing whatever it takes.

Never Stop Dating. I'm far from a relationship expert, but thing I've noticed in my own marriage and many of the successful ones around me is dating. Let's face it, many things will change in a relationship, but quality time should not be one. 

We don't get to do it as often as we like. We don't always have a sitter. We don't always have the extra money, but we always find the time. And even after all this time (been together for 11 years) I still get butterflies when he asks me out. 

Embrace the Change. As humans most of us are afraid or don't welcome change. Change is not always a negative thing. It's almost inevitable. I know I'm not the same person I was when I first got married five years. That doesn't mean my husband loves me more or less. 

Long before we were married, Musiq Soulchild came out with a song entitled " Don't Change." One of my favorite verses is, "I'll love you when your hair turns gray, girl I'll still want you if you gain a little weight, the way I feel for you will always be the same just as long as your love don't change." I didn't get it back then, but trust me it's true. 

Communicate Openly: You might think that was a no-brainer for any relastionship, but that's not always the case. Especially in today's media driven society. Throw in two careers, two preschoolers, in-laws, bills the whole nine yards. It's easy to get caught up in life, without open and clear communication. 

I'm glad to say, I talk to my husband several times throughout the day. Even if it's just a quick call to see how each other's day is going. One of us is always reaching out. Almost every night we spend a few moments chatting about day, our goals for the future, and of course our little ones. 

The "D" Word. We made a decision before we got married and after saying those vows that this would not be an option for us. I'm not judging anyone else, but it's what works for us, and haven made that decision I think it truly makes us stronger as a couple. 

 

So today it's five years down and eternity to go