Celebrating Love: Cultivating the Garden of Our Hearts
This August, I'm thrilled to celebrate 14 years of marriage (17 years together in total)! Reflecting on our journey, I can't help but compare our relationship to growing a beautiful garden. Just like flowers, marriages begin as delicate buds, full of potential and promise. They require nurturing to blossom, needing just the right amount of water, sunlight, or shade; each relationship is unique in what it needs to thrive.
Over the years, my husband and I have learned each other's spoken and unspoken languages, how to fight clean, and how to infuse fun and adventure into mundane days. We've discovered how to fill each other's cups, when to lead, and when to sit back and enjoy the ride (quite literally!).
I've been living the best days of my life because I have the partner I desire, with all his flaws and imperfections. This relationship keeps me motivated to live better, longer, and stronger. It grounds me, connects me, and brings me peace. It's the relationship I want others to experience.
As flowers grow, they may face challenges like harsh weather or pests. My husband and I have also experienced our share of ups and downs. We struggled with being locked together during the pandemic while managing our child's kindergarten via Zoom. We bought a house and rebuilt it while living in different AirBnBs, and we faced challenges during both of our career transitions. Yet, with care and attention, our love has flourished, and we've emerged stronger and more connected.
Learning how to navigate relationships may not be as easy as watering flowers. Each individual in the relationship needs to understand what the other person needs. Sometimes, we get so focused on what we are missing from our partner that we forget the true meaning of partnership altogether. It's about collaboration, support, and a mutual commitment to growth. Recognizing and addressing each other's needs requires open communication and a willingness to adapt.
Many people struggle to find or maintain relationships for various reasons. Often, they are unaware of these underlying issues. Some may not have taken the time to explore their own heart's yearnings or identify what truly matters to them. Others may have experienced past traumas or disappointments that shape their expectations and fears. Additionally, societal pressures and unrealistic ideals can cloud our judgment and hinder our ability to connect authentically with others.
Understanding these factors is crucial for developing healthier relationships. When we can recognize our own needs and those of our partner, we can create a more fulfilling connection.
If you're looking to cultivate the garden of your heart while uncovering the secrets to a strong relationship, I invite you to contact me by scheduling time with me: https://calendly.com/carolline-day/discovery-call
It's time to be in the relationship you deserve!
Remember: Every day is a safe day to change.
