Today, we’re celebrating our second wedding anniversary! About this time two years ago, we were getting ready for our “first look” where we both bawled like babies because it was FINALLY happening. Marriage is so incredibly special to us, so it’s really important that we took time today to reflect on our relationship and the enormous blessing it is to us both. In our two years of marriage and 7-ish years of dating before that, we’ve been through it all together. The good, the bad and the ugly. We’ve honestly seen the highest of highs and the lowest of lows together thus far, and we’ve come out the other side with a new appreciation for each other, our relationship and marriage in general.
We are so not perfect, you guys. We’re always a work in progress, and we realize that there’s so much life ahead of us. But, in these short two years, we have learned so many things about marriage and being a good spouse. There are so many ingredients to a healthy marriage, but in honor of two years, we’ve pinpointed two words of advice that we would give to ourselves on our wedding day.
So, to Eric and Jamie on February 8, 2014, as you celebrate the happiest day of your life, keep these two bits of advice in your pocket and practice them frequently!
Dear happy couple,
1) Say “Thank You”
Life will get so crazy sometimes that one of you is always picking up the slack for the other. With your schedule, you’re often running each other’s errands or making sure the other keeps their head above water. That’s one of the most beautiful things about marriage, though, isn’t it? Your partner is there to help you carry the load.
As life moves 90 miles per hour, try to make it a point to let each other know that you are grateful. SO grateful for the sacrifices, support and effort. Gratitude in relationships goes a long way, even in the little things. Eric will usually be the one that gets out of bed to turn the lights off at night and Jamie will leave the last bite of dessert for Eric. Do your best to acknowledge those acts of kindness. “Thank you” will help you be proactive in not taking one another for granted.
“Thank you” says so much. “Thank you” says, “I know that was difficult for you, and I realize you did it for me anyway.” It means that you thought about the other’s well being and happiness. It means you’re willing to serve your spouse. Thank you says, “I notice when you put me above yourself.”
2) Work for Each Other’s Dreams
This will be huge for you guys, and vulnerability is key for this one. Life will be tough here and there. Circumstances will wear you down or can make things feel out of control. You will learn through the hard times that you have to stop occasionally and ask each other, “Is this what you want? Are you happy?” You’ve only got one life to live, and you’ve chosen to live it with each other. It’s your responsibility to make sure that your partner is on board, on track, and is living the life that they want as well.
Talk about your dreams with the one that you love. And dream big. What do you want your life to look like in five years? What can you do to help your spouse get there? Consider their dream your dream. No one has the ability or the opportunity to encourage, support, and push your spouse to succeed like you do. Check in on each other’s happiness. Do your best for each other, and make it count.
Life is so different now than it was just two years ago. We’re sure there’s more changes to come. Hold tight to each other and don’t sweat the small stuff!
Sincerely, Eric & Jamie circa 2016
P.S. the Powerball will hit 1.5 billion dollars. Here are the numbers: 8, 27, 34, 4, 19.
+ COMMENTS
add a comment