Celebrating Love

​In this month of September, I celebrate my birthday. I’ll be 37 this year. And I also have my wedding anniversary; John and I have been married 11 years (and together as a couple for 17). In my 37th year of life, I also recognize, honor and celebrate my two daughters Eleanor (now passed) and Eliza. They both are a big part of who I am today.
 
My relationship with John has changed and grown, and I feel honored to be his witness in life and him mine. In light of my upcoming anniversary, and the fact that by the end of 2017, I will have attended 6 weddings this year (a record year!), I have some words of wisdom to share for the newly weds and for all of us.
 
Remember love, patience and gratitude.
 
Love with all your heart. Risk opening your heart to love bigger and bigger every day. Sometimes this looks big, like celebrating a special occasion; and sometimes it looks small, like doing small tasks that you know the other will appreciate. And yes, opening your heart also opens you up to feeling vulnerable, and at times you will feel pain, but in my experience the joy will outweigh the pain. Love big; it’s totally worth it.
 
Be patient with yourself, you are ever growing and ever changing. Be patient with your spouse, they are ever growing and ever changing. These growths and changes are not seen on a day to day basis but rather over time.
 
Open to gratitude and be thankful on a daily basis. Gratitude is a healing vibration. Open your heart and mind and whole self to all that you are grateful for:  home, family, friends, vehicle, bank account, support, each other, health, wellness, a beautiful earth, abundance, etc.
 
In remembering love, patience and gratitude you can work through all the ups and downs of life, and all the ups and downs in relationship. Through the different trials you will each take turns taking the lead, guiding and steering compassionately. It’s not easy maintaining an intimate relationship. I feel it can be better said as ‘tending the fire;’ add a log from time to time (nourishment), give room for oxygen (breath), and create a strong, safe container (ground).
 
Trust in yourself and in the other.
Listen to your heart and to one another.
And Love, patience and gratitude will guide you forward.
 
Salud! Cheers to your journey together!
 
~written by Janet Wepner

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